ABOUT

UNFORTUNATELY WE HAD TO PUT ALL OUR ACTIVITIES IN RUSSIA ON HOLD.
HOWEVER, SINCE WE BELIEVE IN DIALOGUE,
WE HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO RE-START OUR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN YEARS TO COME.

STATEMENT

Trying to remain a Non-Political organisation as good as we can, does of course not mean that we not have our own opinion about political events and directions taken.

As I myself, Rene Rietmeyer, the founder of the ECC, disliked the war in Vietnam, the Balkan, the invasion of Irak and all of the many other war-like happenings that I witnessed in the last 50 years, I find the invasion of Ukraine by Russia an unbelievable horrible reality. The opposite of where the European Cultural Centre stands for.

This war seems to be the result from Putin's ideas with a small group of people surrounding him. Yes, for sure, many Russians or other people might unfortunately agree with what is happening, and so did many people during the invasion of Irak or by other wars. However, having said this, we cannot simply hold "Russia", the "Russians", in general responsible. People create their opinion upon the information they get, therefor, all we can do is to try to keep up dialogue and explain our point of view, as written in our guidelines. The exchange of cultural can be a positive tool to create a larger understanding and respect for each other.

Yes, we could make a more specific statement in regards to the horrible situation and developments in Ukraine. However, unfortunately, Ukraine is not the only place in the world where horrible, criminal, activities are being carried out at this moment. Every year, since I remember, there are always many places in the world where there is suppression of freedom, life and killing going on.

We will not support or take support from people or entities which, to our best knowledge, act not conform our own guidelines. We will however always look for a dialogue with everybody in the hope that we can have some positive influence.

"We are a non-political and non-religious organization, open to all people, to all points of view, as long as they respect the freedom, the dignity and rights of every single living being." That sentence says it all.