All,
Greetings from Rome—a truly beautiful city and a fitting host for this year’s BAC meeting. We’re honored to welcome Barbara Cimmino as she steps into the leadership role, representing Italy, and succeeding our good friend Christian Bruch of Germany. Christian, Chairman of Siemens Energy, has done an exceptional job over the past year, helping launch several key projects in support of Ukraine. We look forward to continuing to work with him and his team—and to Barbara’s leadership in the year ahead.
I’m here with Petro Fedoruk from our Ukraine team, and Derek, who is the one most closely connected to this effort and has played a leading role with the other BAC Sherpas this past year.
This meeting comes at a critical moment for Ukraine. As you’re aware, Russia has escalated its attacks, unleashing record numbers of missiles and drones and beginning a new summer offensive. Ukraine has held firm—responding with resilience, creativity, and courage—but urgently needs the weapons and support to defend itself. Encouragingly, increased aid appears to be on the way from both the EU and the US.
The BAC is here to help shape Ukraine’s Redevelopment and Reconstruction, advising on how governments and companies can invest in both its defense and its future. Our role is to help reduce barriers and unlock opportunities for private sector engagement in Ukraine’s recovery.
Looking forward to a productive discussion—and one that drives action. We have an outstanding group of government and corporate leaders here from the world’s leading economies.
Onward! -JB