In Berlin, the largest center for Ukrainian refugees will be closed by the end of the year

Berlin has begun gradually closing the largest reception center for Ukrainian refugees, located on the grounds of the former Tegel Airport.

This was reported by Deutsche Welle (DW).

According to the outlet, the entire site is expected to be vacated by the end of 2025, after which a new residential district will be developed in its place.

The Tegel center opened in the first days after Russia’s full-scale invasion and received thousands of Ukrainiansarriving in the German capital. Initially intended as a temporary accommodation hub, it ended up housing many refugees for years — in tents and terminal buildings.

Currently, around 1,500 people remain at the center, compared to about 5,000 a year ago. Ukrainians are gradually being relocated to smaller shelters at the site of the former Tempelhof Airport and to hostels across various districts of Berlin.

Berlin authorities explained that as the flow of new refugees decreases, the city is transitioning to a decentralized accommodation system. According to Senator for Labor and Integration Cansel Kiziltepe, the decision “helps distribute the burden more evenly and improves conditions for integration.”

Earlier, media outlets reported that after Ukraine allowed men under 23 to leave the country, the number of young Ukrainian arrivals in Germany has been growing daily.