Summer of normality: European cities and regions host Ukrainian children

Fifty regions and cities host summer camps as part of joint initiative 

This was the third summer in which Ukrainian children could find a temporary refuge from the war in youth camps in the European Union. As the result of the efforts of EU cities and regions and thanks to the collaboration of the Association of Ukrainian Cities and the support of the European Committee of the Regions, more than 3,000 children benefited from this initiative in 2024. More than 50 cities and regions across the EU gave Ukrainian children the opportunity to experience that Europe is their home, a place where they can be safe and feel supported. 

Launched two years ago by Vitaliy Klitschko, President of the Union of Ukrainian Cities and Mayor of Kyiv, and the then President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the summer camps initiative offers Ukrainian children the chance to enjoy cultural, sporting, educational, and recreational activities in European cities and regions. as well as a much-needed respite from the brutal reality of the ongoing war. 

The summer camps welcome children from both primary and secondary schools and are part of a broader show of solidarity from EU cities and regions, ranging from humanitarian aid to partnerships and commitments to support the reconstruction of Ukraine. 

The number of participating children has raised over the years, from over 1,250 children in 2022, to 3000 in 2023 and more than 3000 in 2024, with the involvement of more than 50 local communities in 16 member states.  

According to UNHCR figures from 2024, 3.7 million Ukrainians remain displaced by the war within Ukraine, while another 5.9 million are refugees in Europe, most of them women (47%) and children (33%). 

Quotes:  

Patrick Molinoz (FR/PES), Vice-president of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and chair of the CoR's Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs (CIVEX): "It was a deeply moving experience for all of us to welcome children from Vinnytsia in the city of Dijon. Thοse rare care-free moments, away from the nightmare of the war at home, gave them hope for a brighter future and strengthened their sense of belonging to the European family."  

Władysław Ortyl (PL/ECR), Marshal of the Podkarpackie Region and member of the CoR: "The summer camp in Podkarpackie is an important step in building a sense of belonging to the European community. Surrounded by warmth and support, Ukrainian children and teenagers can fill safe, rebuild their faith in a better future, and establish connections which could help them build a strong, united community." 

Samuel Azzopardi (MT/EPP), President of the Gozo Region and member of the CoR:"For the second year in a row, the Gozo Regional Council decided to host and welcome another group of students from Ukrainian cities directly affected by the war. This we did to show solidarity and to offer some respite to the young people of Ukraine, far away from the bitterness and harshness of the war that is still raging on European soil." 

Dovydas Kaminskas (LT/Renew Europe), Mayor of Taurage municipality and member of the CoR: "Tauragė district municipality has been running summer camps for Ukrainian children affected by the war for several years. We believe that every moment these children can get away from the war-torn everyday life - makes their lives brighter and gives them hope that things will change soon."    

Declan Mcdonnel (IE/European Alliance), member of Galway City Council andof the CoR: "This is the second year that we have worked with the Ukrainian community in Galway to organise summer camps for Ukrainian children. This year our focus was on integrating young people from Ukraine living in Galway into summer camps with regular sporting and educational activities to empower them and develop their talents and skills." 

Justīne Panteļējeva (LV/The Greens), member of Riga City Council and alternate member of the CoR: "No child should live near or in a war. Riga among many other cities has offered a relief of normality for Ukrainian children during summer for a few days or weeks. This small effort from us is unmeasurable impact for them and I am honoured that so many cities are part of this initiative."  

Mikko Aaltonen (FI/ PES), member of Tampere City Council and of the CoR:  "No child should have to go through anything as horrible as a war. Spending time with their Finnish peers hopefully helps Kyivan youngsters believe there are still good things in life and gives them hope for a better future. Inviting young Ukrainians to the summer camp is what we have done at the local level to show our support and solidarity."   

More information:  

If you are interested in joining this initiative and organising a summer camp in your town or region, please contact the following address: SupportUkraine@cor.europa.eu .