Ilona Havronska Discusses Preparations for Opening a Unity Hub in Stockholm with Swedish Partners

Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration Ilona Havronska held an online meeting with representatives of the Swedish partners to discuss preparations for the signing of a Joint Declaration and the opening of a Unity Hub for Ukrainians in Sweden.

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Ukraine Martin Åberg, State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Migration Anders Hall and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Sweden Svitlana Zalishchuk.

“Currently, around 47,000 Ukrainians in Sweden are under temporary protection. While we expect our citizens to return home, it is important for us to maintain close ties with every Ukrainian, wherever they reside. In this context, we are strengthening cooperation with Sweden, including mobilising support for the opening of a Unity Hub in Stockholm, tentatively scheduled for mid-June,” said Ilona Havronska.

The Deputy Minister added that Ukraine sees the future Unity Hub as a space for consultations, community events, and communication for the Ukrainian community. The meeting also discussed engaging Ukrainian-speaking consultants who would provide Ukrainian citizens with information about their legal status in Sweden.

For their part, the Swedish side underlined the importance of establishing the Unity Hub as a tool for maintaining Ukrainians’ connection with Ukraine. Sweden is also exploring potential support programmes for Ukrainian citizens who may consider returning home once temporary protection ends.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue work on the Joint Declaration and further coordinate steps towards the opening of the Unity Hub in Stockholm.

Tags: