European Union of Music Competitions for Youth supports Ukraine
STATEMENT
The European Union of Music Competitions for Youth strongly condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, it condemns Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s military aggression.
BACKGROUND
Fifty-two years after the foundation of the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY), the European spirit and its belief in cooperation instead of division remains relevant and significant, and demands vigilance in our daily creative work and efforts. Therefore in its principles and activities, the EMCY remains true to its values and supports its members’ efforts to fully and comprehensively implement them. European solidarity, the support for fundamental human values and justice, responsibility to the environment, and the struggle for peace must continue to guide us, particularly in such troubled times as these, in the face of a brutal, inhuman war in Europe.
The European Union of Music Competitions for Youth was created as an organisation for youth cultural cooperation, intercultural dialogue, culture for peace, the development of young musical talents, implementing high quality standards and ensuring transparency in national and international music competitions for youth.
The EMCY as an organisation and the activities of its members are guided by the fundamental values of humanity as defined in Article 2 of the EU Treaty of Lisbon, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitution of UNESCO.
The purpose of the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth remains vital. In every corner of the European continent and throughout the world, values such as multilateral and multicultural cooperation, the democratic principles of human dignity, democracy, equality, and mutual respect, the rule of law, and basic human rights are being challenged – disregarded by those who do not wish to hear diverse opinions or accept people who look or do things differently.
This STATEMENT was adopted in the EMCY General Assembly in Bonn on 30.10.2022
