The Ukrainian government proposes the creation of a program to facilitate their return. After Ukraine’s victory, returning youth could participate in the country’s reconstruction.
Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidnyi calls for creating conditions enticing young men and women to desire returning to Ukraine on their own. Currently, millions of Ukrainians reside in EU countries, with over 2 million being youths. The Ukrainian government urges European allies to establish programs incentivizing Ukrainian youth to return home.
Bidnyi stated this during a meeting of the EU Council of Ministers. According to him, there are currently over 2 million young Ukrainians in EU countries. The Ukrainian government seeks tools to encourage these individuals to participate in the country’s recovery post-victory.
“So, today, we need to create conditions with our partners so that Ukrainian youth have such a dream, so that they believe in Ukraine’s future and want to return there,” Bidnyi said.
A representative of the Ukrainian government emphasizes Ukraine’s insistence on creating such programs so that youth can maintain their identity. He added that if Ukrainian students only study in the language of the country they reside in, they are unlikely to return home. Bidnyi also stressed that the Ukrainian government is working on a package of initiatives to demonstrate to the youth that there are prospects for their future in Ukraine.
EU to continue temporary protection
According to Eurostat data as of May 2024, there are approximately 4.2 million Ukrainians in EU countries. The EU intends to continue temporary protection for them, citing the need to consider the security situation. However, once the situation changes, discussions will focus on a smooth process for Ukrainians to return home.
