09.02.2024 10:24
The number of Ukrainians in the Netherlands is 105,000, not 10,000, as it was before the full-scale Russian invasion.
Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands Oleksandr Karasevych said this in an interview with Ukrinform in The Hague.
“Unfortunately, due to such tragic circumstances, there are 105,000 Ukrainians in the Netherlands, not 10,000, as it was before the full-scale Russian invasion. Ukrainians are active, united, trying to help each other and create conditions for their development. I’ve been working in the Netherlands for a relatively short time, about seven months. But what I have seen and felt is a real boom in the self-organization of Ukrainians and the incredible cohesion of the Ukrainian community. Every weekend there are several Ukrainian events organized by Ukrainians themselves,” he said.
Karasevych also noted that, in his opinion, many Ukrainians are ready to return home.
“I think so. During each of my trips to a town or region, I always meet Ukrainians. Of course, I hear different questions from citizens. Some people are interested in how to better organize their lives in the Netherlands. But for now, the majority of Ukrainians definitely want to return home to Ukraine,” he said.
As reported by Ukrinform, in early December, the first forum of the Ukrainian community in the Netherlands was held in The Hague, which became a platform for discussing pressing issues and challenges of Ukrainians abroad, sharing experiences and developing a common position on the development of Ukrainians in the Netherlands.
(C)UKRINFORM 2024
Unfortunately?! The West, except for Germany, France and Italy should allow in as many ukrainians as possible, including granting them to stay forever if they want.
Those who work are generally seen as very capable hands, I’ve read. But there’s a bad rumour too many just want to enjoy the social net. That may be unfounded, there’s language problems, of course, and many have to take lessons first. It’s rather unfortunate that a large part of the people don’t even speak english.
Other than useless trash from the Middle East they will become loyal citizens, even if it takes some time.
Well, I’m not a fan of unlimited immigration, Mike, but it’s certainly true that the European Ukrainians will be easier to integrate once they speak German. Their culture is much closer to ours than the typical Middle Eastern mindset. Still, in the interest of Ukraine, I hope that many will return after the war and use their new experiences for helping the Ukrainian economy to transition into the EU. That will be very important for the future of the country (and for Germany, too, since the boost of new trade and manufacturing relationships would be very welcome here). Strategically, Europe has to reduce the dependancy on Chinese factories, so Ukraine would be well positioned to take over a significant part of that business. Win/win!