The Yekaterinskiy Forum is Russia’s main platform for discussions of immigration policy named after Catherine the Great who invited vast numbers of Europeans to move to Russia during her reign. This move is widely considered a proper use of migration policy and thus the forum is named in honor of her wisdom. Below is a message from the Chairman of the International Russophile Movement about the event.

The Second Yekaterinskiy Forum is establishing an important tradition in Russia. For me, as a descendant of Russian Germans, this event has a deep, personal meaning. I am part of the great legacy that began to be built up thanks to the manifestos of Catherine II.

In 1762, the first decree on attracting foreigners was issued. But the Manifesto of 1763 became the truly working “plan of action.” It was a bold, innovative step! Despite the discontent of some of the nobles and merchants, the state, which needed to develop new lands, set a course to attract people from all over Europe.

And it worked!

The descendants of those settlers became the driver of the empire’s development, creating a unique cultural and economic heritage. As chairman of the International Council of Russian Germans, I am part of this legacy.

We are still proud to call ourselves Russian Germans. This ethnic code – love of order, diligence, respect for traditions and the law – is alive in us to this day.

I sincerely hope that we will be able to unite again on the territory of the Russian Federation. Today, Russia has a unique opportunity to restore this historical connection by bringing our people into the friendly family of the peoples of modern Russia.

This will benefit everyone, because we carry the code of peacemaking, good neighborliness and creative prosperity!