The 8 May 1945 is considered the official end of the Second World War in Europe and the day of Germany's liberation from National Socialism. It is estimated that the six-year war claimed more than 60 million lives.

"The anniversary is a strong reminder to us Germans of our particular responsibility to do everything we can for peace and understanding in Europe," said Oliver Hermes, President & CEO of the Wilo Group.

The German economy continues to play a key role in shaping a common European future: "The founding of the German Eastern Business Association in 1952 served to build new bridges from divided Germany to Eastern Europe. Together we prove every day that strength comes from international cooperation and understanding, not from conflict," says Oliver Hermes, who also chairs the German Eastern Business Association.

Against protectionism and national egoism

However, not everything has been achieved in the past 75 years: "Especially in recent times, conflicts within Europe and between individual states have become dangerously worse. The Corona crisis has damaged the European internal market and the freedom of movement in the Schengen area. Now is a good time to remember that protectionism and national egoism lead to dead ends, and that we in Europe can only succeed together." That is why the German Eastern Business Association continues to advocate the integration of all the states of the Western Balkans into the European Union and promotes close dialogue with the countries of the Eastern Partnership and the Eurasian Economic Union. "Our great goal remains a common economic space from Lisbon to Vladivostok", stressed Oliver Hermes.