On 9-11 September, the Council of Europe Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR) carried out a mission to Berlin. The visit focused on the reception, integration, and voluntary return prospects of war-displaced Ukrainians in Germany, which is currently hosting around 1.25 million beneficiaries of temporary protection, making it the largest number or 29.3% of the EU total.

The discussions were particularly focused on challenges and progress achieved related to German language acquisition, the recognition of professional and academic qualifications, access to the labour market, daycare and schooling of children, provision of housing, as well as the screening and protection of particularly vulnerable groups, such as victims of trafficking in human beings. The mission provided DMR the opportunity to have exchanges and to gain insights into some promising practices, such as those related to the high engagement of Ukrainian and national CSOs and cooperation with the authorities, the increasing access of displaced Ukrainians to the labour market, and the high level of access to schooling of Ukrainian children.

Meetings were held with representatives of the Federal Ministries of: the Interior (including its special coordinating unit on Ukraine (PGAU)); Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth; Labour and Social Affairs, as well as the Berlin Senate, the German Institute for Human Rights,  UNHCR, IOM, and CSOs, including several CSOs which participate in the Unity Hub. The DMR delegation also visited a refugee registration centre in Berlin and an accommodation facility which are under the authority of the Berlin State Office for Refugee Affairs and Accommodation.