He come to inaugurate the first House of Ukraine in Torrevieja, where the largest community of its citizens in Spain is located. How is our country treating Ukrainian refugees who arrived due to the invasion?
Ukrainians like being here and they already liked it before the war. There were over 100,000 before the invasion. I would like to thank the Spanish nation for the welcome. Spain was the first country in the EU to adopt the temporary protection mechanism, and you were the pioneers. You are the best country for us. We understand that temporary protection mechanisms may have certain time limitations, but right now it is being extended until the end of the first quarter of 2026. We will see if it continues. Of course, if the conflict persists, it will continue. Once the war ends, the conditions will change. That's why we are preparing for the possible return to Ukraine of those who want to go back. And encouraging them to return once the security conditions allow it.
What are your estimates regarding the return of Ukrainians who took refuge in the EU?
If the war ends, we would expect 30% of the five million Ukrainians who sought protection in Europe to return within the following six months. Of those same five million, we believe that another 30% will stay in the EU forever because they are already integrated, have a job, are married, and are happy. And there is a 40% in between that will depend on the success and economic development of Ukraine after Putin's invasion.
What are your plans for economic growth once the war ends?
We aspire to double our GDP in 10 years, which is not too ambitious of a goal. Yes, it can be achieved. There are countries that have achieved it faster. For that, we would need more employees, more people working, more workers for the country's reconstruction. The current deficit is estimated at approximately four and a half million people to achieve that goal. If we don't achieve it, it will be difficult to double the economy. That's why we will work to make it happen.
How do you plan to convince Ukrainians to return?
We are establishing the so-called Unity Centers in the main European countries. They will focus on return and integration. The Unity Hub is a professional space that will offer different services, including support and coordination for those returning. They can have all the services of the Ukrainian State, but here. They will be offered certain job proposals in Ukraine. They can also start a coworking space for their businesses. There is a passport and hiring service, as well as a telecommunications service with Ukrainian companies and even with Ukrainian banks. For those who stay, it will be the place where they receive our education and culture to preserve their Ukrainian identity. We even have a market with Ukrainian products.
Can Spain play a role in the reconstruction of Ukraine?
We welcome the experience of European technologists and all their innovative advances, especially taking advantage of the experience of countries that have done so in the recent past. I am very excited about the infrastructure advances that Spain has developed in recent years. Without a doubt, we can learn a lot from you and we welcome Spanish companies to participate in the future reconstruction of Ukraine. But before that, we should end the war to enable the reconstruction and secure funds for the next phase. We are very comfortable with the experience and technology of Spain. They are great.