Ilona Havronska: Ukraine, together with the EU and Ukrainian civil society organisations, is preparing to launch the Unity Network

Ukraine, together with the European Union and Ukrainian civil society organisations that are already actively working abroad, is preparing to launch the Unity Network. This was announced by Ilona Havronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity for European Integration, during the All-Ukrainian Forum of Social Change Leaders, which took place in Kyiv on 7 November 2025.

As part of the forum, Ilona Gavronska took part in the session "Social cohesion as a guarantee of unity and joint development of Ukrainians", where, together with representatives of local governments, civil society and international organisations, she discussed ways to strengthen the social cohesion of Ukrainian society, both in Ukraine and abroad.

"Every Ukrainian, wherever they are, is important to Ukraine. We are working to ensure that our citizens abroad maintain ties with the state, have access to reliable information, and can make informed and conscious decisions about returning home. In this context, we are preparing to launch the Ukrainian Unity Network. The first centres of this Network will be Unity Centres, which will open this year in Spain and Germany," emphasised Ilona Havronska.

According to her, the most effective approach to deploying the Unity Network is a tripartite model involving Ukraine, EU member states, as well as Ukrainian civil society organisations that are already actively working abroad.

"Our goal is not only to create new centres for Ukrainians, but also to unite existing initiatives. In essence, we are shaping a “network of networks” to make visible and heard the activities that Ukrainian communities, civil society and international organisations are currently implementing. It's about interaction and trust: so that we can see and hear each other, so that there is no division between “here” and “there”, but a sense of unity and mutual value for every Ukrainian around the world," said Ilona Havronska.

The Deputy Minister reminded that today, about 4.7 million Ukrainians are in EU countries under temporary protection, which will last until 4 March 2027. Ukraine is already working with its European partners to ensure that the transition to new sustainable policies is consistent and based on the principles of unity, dignity and partnership.

"Supporting Ukrainian communities that will welcome those who return is one of the key areas of our joint work with European colleagues. It is the communities that become partners for people after their return, helping them to adapt, find work and housing. At the same time, everyone benefits from investments in their development – local residents, internally displaced persons and those returning from abroad," emphasised Ilona Havronska.

The All-Ukrainian Forum of Social Change Leaders brought together more than 200 participants – leaders and representatives of the social sector from all regions of Ukraine – to form a common vision for the development of social policy during the war and the post-war period. The forum was organised by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine in cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine (UNHCR) and with the support of the Charity Foundation "Stabilization Support Services".

Earlier, Ilona Havronska presented Ukraine's position on the termination of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU at a meeting of the Solidarity Platform.