New statement from the CERN Council on the invasion of Ukraine
"The Council reiterated its strong condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and decided to terminate CERN´s cooperation agreements with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus at their expiration dates in 2024"
At its 208th meeting yesterday, the CERN Council reiterated its denunciation of the continuing illegal military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation with the involvement of the Republic of Belarus, which has resulted in a widespread humanitarian crisis and significant loss of life.
The Council declared that it intends to terminate CERN’s International Cooperation Agreements with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus at their expiration dates in 2024. Normally ICAs are tacitly renewed after five years. The situation will continue to be monitored carefully and the Council stands ready to take any further decision in the light of developments in Ukraine.
This adds to the Council’s reaction in March, condemning the invasion in the strongest terms and deciding to suspend Russia’s observer status, not to engage in new collaborations with the Russian Federation and its institutions, and to promote actions in support of Ukrainian scientists and scientific activity. The Council also expressed its support to the many members of CERN’s Russian scientific community who reject this invasion.
CERN was established in the aftermath of World War II to bring nations and people together for the peaceful pursuit of science. Member States recalled that the core values of the Organization have always been based upon scientific collaboration across borders as a driver for peace, and stressed that the aggression of one country against another runs counter to these values.
The 23 Members States of CERN are today Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Ukraine is an Associate Member State of CERN.