Lisbon presents two-step plan for Ukrainians stranded in the city

The Portuguese capital wants to show those in need that it is an “open city”

Even though Lisbon is probably one of the geographically most distant European capitals in relation to the Ukrainian conflict, the city government has shown firm willingness in providing help to the Ukrainian citizens in need. For that purpose, mayor Carlos Moedas announced earlier today a two-step plan to help both the stranded Ukrainian citizens in Lisbon and those who are heading to the city as refugees.

The first step will include the creation of a municipal cafeteria which will provide free meals and other things of need, such as clothes and medicines. The second step will be the setting up of a refugee reception centre.

International humanitarian solidarity

On 24 February, when the Russian incursion into Ukraine began and took the world by shock, the Lisbon City Council was quick to respond to the aggression by showing support already that night by lighting the façade of the City Hall in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Then the city mayor stood side by side with the Ukrainian ambassador to Portugal, Inna Ohnivets, and today she was once again present when the mayor informed of the new initiative.

The aim of the two-step plan is to “centralize and coordinate” activities related to handling the humanitarian crisis. The municipal cafeteria will be located in Monsanto, and it will start operating immediately to help Ukrainians visiting the Portuguese capital who are now unable to return back home.

In an effort to anticipate the arrival of Ukrainian refugees to the city, a temporary reception centre is being prepared in the sports pavilion of the Lisbon Municipal Police headquarters, next to Praça de Espanha. It will also have the support of the Portuguese Red Cross. 

The efforts will be coordinated on the ground by Margarida Castro Martins, director of the Municipal Civil Protection Service, who guaranteed the opening of this centre “within a maximum period of 72 hours from the moment we become aware of the need of your opening,” as quoted by TimeOut.pt.

“We would like to give this sign that Lisbon is an open city, that Lisbon is with Ukraine, but above all that we are coordinated in this very difficult time for our lives”, added Carlos Moedas on the occasion.