Bonn – ESI debates support for Ukraine at “Hope for Peace” concert

Gerald Knaus and Alexander Graf Lambsdorff. Photo: ESI

ESI's Gerald Knaus was invited to a memorial concert and public debate on the occasion of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The concert was held at the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn. This historic venue, Ludwig van Beethoven's birthplace and memorial site, has been a pillar of support for refugee musicians from Ukraine.

The event, part of the "Hope for Peace" initiative, featured the Odessa Classics @ Beethoven-Haus Bonn project and showcased the talent of artistic director and pianist Alexey Botvinov. Guests included Ukrainian Consul General Iryna Shum, MP Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, and Gerald.

A panel discussion with Gerald and Alexander Graf Lambsdorff took place alongside the concert, discussed the situation in Ukraine, prospects for peace, and how to support Ukraine to fend off the Russian aggression.

Gerald emphasized the importance of recognizing the human cost of the conflict and the need for a collaborative international effort to help Ukraine win the war which is the root cause of the Ukrainian refugee crisis. He said that the war has shattered the European security order and that it is a turning point in European history. He also said that the war is a test of the West's willingness to defend its values and interests.

• Deutschlandfunk, Ukraine: Starke Töne aus dem Beethoven-Haus Bonn ("Ukraine: Strong notes from Beethoven-Haus Bonn"), 25 February 2023
• ESI propsal: Thank You Payments for hosting Ukrainian families
• ESI proposal: Offer the four freedoms to the Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova
• ESI background: Why Russia had to be expelled from the Council of Europe
• ESI proposal: Humane Borders

The following Monday, Gerald met with Elmar Brok, a German politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament from 1980 to 2019. He was a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and was known for his advocacy of European integration. During his time in the European Parliament, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and was a member of the Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Gerald Knaus and Elmar Brok. Photo: ESI