The commune of Strassen has shown its engagement with helping those displaced by the war in Ukraine. Two weeks after the initial attacks on the country by Russian president Vladimir Putin, the community has set up the project, which acts somewhat like a maison-relais. Open from 1:30pm to 5pm every day of the week, the community centre will also give children and youths access to toys, games, a garden and trips.

Located at 48, rue des romains in Strassen, the house is managed by the integration and youth services of the commune. Local Ukrainians, who have lived in Luxembourg for a longer period of time, have volunteered to provide help with overcoming the language barrier. Foreign affairs minister Jean Asselborn (LSAP) was present at the inauguration.

The municipality has also donated 4 cheques of €6,000 to projects and NGOs supporting Ukrainians. The Red Cross, Caritas, Care Luxembourg and Doctors without Borders were the recipients of the donations.

Solidarity and relaxing of animal entry procedures

Following the attacks on the Ukrainian territory, over 2 million residents have fled their country. The European Union has issued a directive that allows these refugees--including to enter the EU and have access to housing, medical treatment and the work market without undergoing extensive administrative procedures.

The outpour of initiatives and invitations in the EU to host Ukrainian refugees has also led the government to issue a  

On 10 March, the Luxembourg ministry of agriculture also announced it would relax the protocols for pet animals brought along by Ukrainian refugees. New arrivals should get in touch with a veterinarian to regulate their pet’s status. The veterinarian administration will visit shelters to look at the pets present there.