BPS supports expulsion of the Russian Psychological Society from European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA)

The vote to expel Russia was held at a special meeting of EFPA's Presidents' Council, which was attended by the BPS. Following support from the majority of members, EFPA will now move forward with the formal process of expulsion, according to the processes set out in their statutes.

President of the BPS, Katherine Carpenter, said:

"The decision to support the expulsion of Russia from EFPA was not taken lightly, as we know many of our Russian colleagues will also strongly oppose the war.

However, in the face of the escalating conflict and growing Russian aggression, of paramount importance to us right now is supporting our colleagues in Ukraine.

One of the greatest strengths of our profession is how we unite together in order to protect our core values of democracy, freedom and human rights.

The international psychological community must now stand together with our Ukrainian colleagues in their time of urgent need."

In 2015, the BPS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Psychological Society. The BPS's board of trustees is meeting shortly to progress a recommendation that it withdraws from the memorandum.

The BPS has reached out to fellow psychologists in Ukraine and is sharing their stories of how the war is impacting them. You can read their accounts in our magazine, The Psychologist.