Spain Stance On Ukraine?
In January 2022, amid the 2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez asserted the Spanish support to the ‘sovereignty and territorial integrity’ of Ukraine.
What is Spain’s position on the war in Ukraine?
Defence and humanitarian aid – Congreso The head of the Executive has also defended the united response of the Atlantic Alliance to the invasion: “Putin has reminded us that NATO, as an alliance of states for their security, is more necessary than ever”. Neither NATO nor Spain is sending troops to Ukraine, but they are reinforcing the eastern flank to ensure the defence of all allies. Pedro Sánchez affirmed that Spain’s commitment is “effective and real”, as demonstrated by the deployment in Latvia, Bulgaria, Turkey and, soon, Estonia.
- He also pointed out that Spain is going to increase its contingent in the allied mission in Latvia by 150 troops , which until now has had 350 soldiers;
- In addition to joint EU and NATO actions, Spain has sent 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid and two air force planes with personal and defence equipment, as well as medical equipment;
“It is my firm intention to provide Ukraine with as much help and support as possible, according to our capabilities,” he told the plenary session of Congress.
How does Spain help Ukraine?
Spain has reported that more than 41,000 displaced people from Ukraine have already been assisted in its territory, an increase of 20,462 people compared to March 24. The figures were unveiled on Monday, April 4, at the ninth meeting of the Committee on the Situation of National Security, analysing the situation between Russia and Ukraine, chaired by the Minister for the Presidency, Parliamentary Relations and Democratic Memory of Spain, Félix Bolaños, SchengenVisaInfo.
com reports. “Of the total number of applications, all of which were granted, 68 per cent were for women, 32 per cent for men, with 39. 5 per cent being minors,” the government of Spain notes in a press release issued following the meeting.
The Commission has also reviewed the progress of various working groups, especially that for refugees. The meeting of the National Security Situation Committee was attended by representatives of the Foreign Ministers, Defence, Interior, Transport, Labour, Economic Affairs, Ecological Transition, Industry, Finance, Agriculture, Territorial Policy and Inclusion, the Department of National Security of the Presidency of the Government, the National Intelligence Centre, the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Government and the Secretary of State for Communication.
In addition, more than 7,000 children are now in school, and 8,199 displaced persons have been released from the National Health System. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, some 4. 3 million people have fled their country and sought shelter and support in neighbouring countries.
On March 31, Prime Minister Sánchez announced that 30,000 Ukrainian refugees had been formally granted temporary protection status, adding that this number was expected to rise to 70,000 in the coming days. In addition, many of the newcomers are staying with family or friends as the number of registrations remains relatively low.
- Spain has allowed Ukrainian refugees arriving in Spain to seek temporary protection in reception and accommodation centres approved by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration in Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), in the City of Light in Alicante and at Fira de Barcelona, as well as at 54 National Police points authorised for these procedures throughout Spain;
Other countries that have received a significant number of refugees from Ukraine are Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Moldova. The latest data from the UNHCR show that as of April 5, the number of refugees in these countries is as follows:
- Poland (2,490,447)
- Hungary (398,932)
- Romania (654,825)
- Moldova (399,039)
- Slovakia (302,417)
The above-mentioned states also provide temporary protection to all refugees intending to enter these territories. >> Timeline of Ukrainian Refugees Reaching EU Countries Amid Russian Invasion.
How long can Ukrainian refugees stay in Spain?
Ukrainians in Spain: everything you need to know about crossing the border, living conditions and support for refugees Help our volunteers who support Ukraine and all foreigners in the country 24/7 HELP The European Union has been accepting refugees since the very beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Spain is among the countries offering shelter, where Ukrainians can live, work legally, receive education and receive medical care. We have collected the most useful information for Ukrainians in Spain: how to cross the border, stay in the country and where to get the necessary help.
How to get to Spain? First you need to cross the border with one of the EU countries – by car, on foot or by train. The schedule of free evacuation trains is updated every evening on the Ukrzaliznytsia website – https://www.
uz. gov. ua/. You can also use the help of local volunteers to transport refugees to the border. Until April 10, low-cost carrier Wizz Air will provide Ukrainians with 100,000 free tickets for flights departing from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Discounts on international flights are also offered by the Polish airline LOT.
- How to cross the border? Ukrainians can cross the border of the European Union with a biometric or Ukrainian passport and stay there for 90 days;
- Citizens of Ukraine can enter the territory of Spain with a biometric passport;
If you do not have one, and you do not have a visa, you should contact the consular department of one of the countries bordering Ukraine, such as Poland, Romania, Hungary. They will consider the case and give permission. You can cross the border with the child if you have a birth certificate and a document confirming family ties with the person accompanying the child.
- How to get temporary protection? On March 4th, the Council of the European Union launched a “temporary protection” procedure for Ukrainians fleeing the war;
- This means that citizens of Ukraine can live, work or study in the European Union for a year;
If the war does not end, the EU plans to extend it for three years. Every Ukrainian crossing the border with the EU automatically receives temporary protection status. With it, refugees can go to any EU country and live there. Ukrainians who left Ukraine due to the invasion of Russian troops, as well as Ukrainians who were in Spain at the beginning of the war and cannot return home, can receive temporary protection.
How to find housing in Spain? Citizens of Ukraine who are unable to support themselves can expect to have a place in the Spanish Refugee Reception Centers. Otherwise, it is possible to rent a house or room in a hostel or hotel.
Volunteers offer free private accommodation in various cities in Spain. You can find ads or apply on special websites of official volunteer organizations. For example, on the page “Shelter” https://prykhystok. in. ua/ you can find free housing provided by Spaniards.
Transport The Renfe railway network provided free travel in Spain and in the direction of France for the citizens of Ukraine. You can use the service in Barcelona, if you have a Ukrainian passport. Tickets are available at the train station ticket office.
Ukrainian refugees find a new home in Spain’s ‘Little Odesa’ | Focus on Europe
Is it possible to work in Spain? Ukrainians who have received temporary protection have the right to work legally, on a contract basis or as a sole proprietor. Citizens of Ukraine who have been granted refugee status will not have access to the labor market.
Where to get help? The Spanish government has developed a social protection program that will provide housing, food, clothing and psychological assistance. There is currently no information on whether payments are planned.
Refugee Centers (OARs) should be contacted for support. Las Caracolas Refugee Center in Madrid (temporary accommodation with meals) Address: Avenue del Mayorazgo, 28051, Madrid, the nearest underground stations “Congosto” and “La Gavia” line 1 Social Assistance Point Training Center for Social Security Bodies Address: José de Carabanchel a Aravaca, 91, 28233, Posuelo de Alarcon, Madrid Hotline: +34 91 047 44 44 Samur Social Service, which helps to obtain international protection.