The first European Unity Hub designed to support Ukrainians living abroad is set to open its doors in Berlin on April 15. This initiative aims to provide essential services, return consultations, and cultural integration programs for those displaced by the ongoing war.
According to the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, the decision to launch the pilot project in Germany’s capital is highly strategic. Recent Eurostat data indicates that over 4.3 million Ukrainians currently reside under temporary protection in European Union countries. Germany hosts the largest share of this demographic, with approximately 1.2 million displaced Ukrainians. Consequently, these Unity Hubs are viewed as a vital element of Ukraine’s national policy to maintain strong connections with its diaspora and facilitate their eventual return home.
The Berlin-based center will offer a comprehensive suite of services, backed by the involvement of various Ukrainian and international organizations. Visitors will have access to expert consultations regarding their return to Ukraine, as well as guidance on acquiring social services. Notably, representatives from the Pension Fund of Ukraine will be available on-site to assist citizens with issues related to pensions, housing subsidies, state benefits, and insurance premiums.
Beyond administrative support, the Unity Hub will serve as a vibrant educational and cultural space. The center plans to host regular youth events based on the Ukrainian scouting model, alongside career guidance and digital technology training for both children and adults. Furthermore, the hub will conduct specialized seminars on media literacy and countering disinformation—a crucial step in protecting the community from external propaganda and fake news.
The administration of the Berlin facility will be managed by the newly established “National Unity Agency” LLC. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the creation of this agency in early 2025 to streamline interactions with Ukrainian communities and non-governmental organizations abroad.
Looking ahead, the agency plans to expand its operational footprint by opening departments in key host countries, primarily Poland and the Czech Republic. Future Unity Hubs are envisioned as multifunctional spaces that will feature language courses, postal and banking services, passport processing via state enterprise “Document,” business co-working spaces, a UA Job Center, and authentic Ukrainian coffee shops. The overarching plan includes establishing fully operational Unity Hubs in major European cities such as Munich, Düsseldorf, Prague, and the Spanish municipality of Torrevieja over the coming years.