Hope and Opportunity Under One Roof: Ukrainian House Opens in Batumi

With support from the German Government and UNDP, the new centre offers vital services, business support, and a cultural lifeline for Ukrainian refugees in Georgia

June 21, 2025

A vibrant new community hub opened in Batumi, marking a step forward in supporting Ukrainian refugees in Georgia. Supported by the German Government and UNDP, the Ukrainian House in Batumi builds on the success of its counterpart in Tbilisi, extending vital services and opportunities to Ukrainians living in western Georgia.

Managed by the civil society organisation ‘Unite Together’, the Ukrainian House in Batumi offers affordable office space, legal and humanitarian information, and a platform for civil society organisations, refugee-led businesses, and community initiatives. It also serves as a welcoming venue for cultural events, social gatherings, and support networks.

The official opening, held on 21 June, gathered representatives from the Embassies of Germany and Ukraine, UNDP, CARE Caucasus, diplomatic missions, civil society partners, and members of the Ukrainian community. Guests explored a colourful marketplace of Ukrainian-made products and enjoyed cultural performances by Ukrainian artists.

As part of the event, a new group of 21 Ukrainian entrepreneurs was announced to receive direct business development support through CARE Caucasus, with funding from the German Government and UNDP. The diverse range of ventures includes cafés, craft shops, a poultry farm, a car service, and a learning centre, which highlights the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Ukrainian community.

“Germany stands in solidarity with Ukraine and remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. The Ukrainian House offers thousands of refugees a sense of hope, belonging, and practical support. It empowers the community, fosters opportunity, and helps entrepreneurs rebuild their livelihoods,” said H.E. Peter Fischer, Ambassador of Germany to Georgia.

“From Tbilisi to Batumi, the Ukrainian House is a lifeline for people facing the challenges of displacement. Alongside the German Government, we are proud to help Ukrainians take steps towards recovery and self-reliance,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.

Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, nearly 30,000 Ukrainian nationals have sought refuge in Georgia. With funding from the German Government and in close partnership with CARE Caucasus and Ukrainian-led civil society organisations, UNDP has responded by providing essential services, building support networks, and creating pathways for integration and entrepreneurship.

In just two years, the Ukrainian House in Tbilisi has evolved into a vibrant hub, reaching up to 5,400 people. Additionally, support for Ukrainian entrepreneurship in Georgia has helped sustain 31 refugee-led businesses, empowering Ukrainian families and creating jobs for 110 people.

The newly launched Ukrainian House in Batumi marks the next chapter in this journey. More than just a centre, it is a space for solidarity, opportunity, and cultural exchange, deepening the bonds between the Georgian and Ukrainian people, and helping a resilient refugee community rebuild and thrive.

Background:

Support for the Ukrainian House is part of the ‘Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All – Phase 2’ initiative, funded by the German Government and implemented by UNDP to enhance equitable people-centred justice in Georgia and promote legal empowerment and socio-economic resilience among vulnerable communities.