Helpline ‘EU solidarity with Ukraine’ for citizens now also available in Ukrainian and Russian languages

In addition to the 24 official EU languages in which the Commission answers citizens enquiries on EU-related matters, the Commission has launched a dedicated Ukrainian and Russian language service for questions related to ‘EU solidarity with Ukraine’. From today, anybody in the EU and from abroad can contact the Europe Direct Contact Centre (EDCC), and receive replies in Ukrainian and Russian, too. Whether they would like to know more about EU assistance to Ukraine, about restrictive measures against Russia, about the temporary protection of people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or key information about the rights deriving from it and other support to those in need – nothing will be left unanswered. The service is immediately available for written and oral questions in all official EU languages, as well as for written questions and answers in Ukrainian and Russian. As of mid-April, phone calls will also be answered in Ukrainian and Russian. The helpline ‘EU Solidarity with Ukraine’ is part of the Commission’s Europe Direct Contact Centre which has been an important channel of communication with citizens for more than 20 years. In 2021, the EDCC has replied to 205,000 questions from citizens on EU-related matters. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, the EDCC has replied to more than 4,000 questions and suggestions from citizens about the war and the EU solidarity with Ukraine. Many citizens gave their opinion on EU action, asked how they can help citizens from Ukraine, or had practical questions on rules for temporary protection and travel within the EU.