Opening of the Ukrainian House in Torrevieja

Ukraine House Opens in Torrevieja to Support Refugees

The city of Torrevieja, in the province of Alicante, has been selected to host the first Ukraine House in Spain, a center designed to provide support and guidance to the Ukrainian community displaced by the war in their country. This project is part of the “Unity Hub Space” initiative, which aims to establish similar centers in several European countries to assist Ukrainian refugees.

Purpose and Objectives of Ukraine House

The main goal of Ukraine House is to serve as a meeting point and support center for Ukrainians who have arrived in Spain fleeing the war. It will offer comprehensive guidance services, assistance with administrative procedures, and cultural activities that help maintain ties with their homeland. Additionally, it will function as a space where displaced individuals can receive information about job opportunities, education, and integration into Spanish society.

Location and Features of the Center

The center will be located in the Treasury of Social Security building in Torrevieja, on Urbano Arregui Avenue. This building already houses the Reception, Attention, and Referral Center for Displaced Ukrainians (CREADE), which has served over 48,000 people since its opening. Ukraine House will share space with CREADE, expanding its capacity to assist and provide services to the Ukrainian community. (informacion.es)

Inauguration and Authorities Involved

The inauguration of Ukraine House was attended by Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Elma Saiz, and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Oleksiy Chernyshov. During the event, Minister Saiz emphasized that the center symbolizes support, unity, and hope between the two countries during difficult times. Chernyshov, in turn, expressed gratitude for Spain’s hospitality toward Ukrainian citizens and highlighted the importance of such centers in maintaining cultural connections and facilitating the return to Ukraine when conditions allow. (abc.es)

Ukrainian Community in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in Spain, with more than 10,000 registered Ukrainian residents, making it the most significant foreign nationality in the city. This large community presence played a crucial role in choosing Torrevieja as the location for Spain’s first Ukraine House. (cadenaser.com)

Local Reactions and Future Perspectives

The opening of Ukraine House has been welcomed with enthusiasm by the local Ukrainian community, who see the center as a sign of solidarity and a valuable resource for integration and well-being. However, Torrevieja’s Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, expressed surprise at not having been informed in advance about the initiative. He pointed out that the municipality already provides advisory services through the Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja. Despite this, Ukraine House is expected to complement and strengthen existing local efforts, offering an additional space for support and interaction for displaced individuals. (alicanteplaza.es)

In summary, the inauguration of Ukraine House in Torrevieja represents a significant step in supporting the Ukrainian community in Spain. The center will provide essential resources for integration while maintaining cultural ties with their homeland.