First Ukrainian Unity Hub in Europe, which will provide advice on returning to Ukraine, to open in Berlin in April

On April 15, the first Ukrainian Unity Hub in Europe will open in Berlin (Germany), where people will be able to get advice on returning to Ukraine, as well as join educational and cultural events. It was reported by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, the Ukrainian News agency reports.

According to the latest Eurostat data, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in the EU, with the largest number in Germany - 1.2 million.

The Ministry notes that in this context, the Ukrainian Unity Hubs abroad are an important element of the policy of preserving the connection of citizens with Ukraine and facilitating their return home.

"We appreciate the support of the EU and the Government of Germany in facilitating the opening and operation of the Unity Hub in Berlin. Germany became the first country with which Ukraine signed a Joint Declaration on the establishment of a Unity Hub. We want the Berlin Hub to become a space for maintaining our citizens’ connection with Ukraine, as well as a place where they can access reliable information to make informed decisions about returning home," said Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin.

The Ministry notes that international and Ukrainian organizations have already joined the work of the Hub, and their participation provides a wide range of services - from consultations on return and social services in Ukraine to educational, cultural and integration programs and events.

In addition, the Hub will offer consultations from the Pension Fund of Ukraine on issues related to pensions, housing subsidies, benefits, insurance premiums, etc.

The Hub will also host regular events for children and youth based on the Ukrainian scouting model, career guidance and digital training for children and adults, seminars and consultations on education and countering disinformation.

The Unity Hub in Berlin will be administered by the National Unity Agency LLC. After the opening, the space will operate in a test mode, and you can follow the updates on the official Facebook page.

The Ministry of Social Policy notes that the opening of Unity Hubs for Ukrainians in EU member states was supported by the Council of the European Union in its recommendations.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, joint declarations on the establishment of Ukraine's Unity Hubs have also been signed with France, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

Today, about 4.3 million Ukrainians live in the EU countries, most of them in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.