25/02/2022 (Agence Europe) – SMEunited strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a statement issued on Friday 25 February. The organisation, which represents the interests of SMEs and the craft industry, supports the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council (see EUROPE 12898/1), which took place the day before, and calls for the immediate implementation of the sanctions. The defence of democracy and the free market justifies these sanctions, which will have a “direct or indirect” impact on the activity of companies and which have a “price”, admits SMEunited. SMEs are calling for quick and clear guidance on economic sanctions to mitigate their impact. In addition, the organisation is calling for urgent measures to protect EU citizens, businesses and workers in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. (PH)