Temporary Protection Status for Ukrainians in the EU
According to Eurostat, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status within the European Union. In 2025, EU member states granted this status in 683,395 new decisions for Ukrainian citizens. This figure, however, represents a 14% decrease compared to the number of new decisions made in 2024. This status, enacted shortly after the full-scale invasion, provides rights to residence, work, and access to social services.
Where Ukrainian Refugees Are Hosted in the EU
An analysis of the distribution of Ukrainians with temporary protection highlights three countries hosting the largest numbers:
- Germany – 1,260,230 people
- Poland – 965,990 people
- Czechia – 397,185 people
These numbers indicate that Ukrainians continue to seek refuge primarily in neighboring nations, even as the rate of new arrivals slows.
The security situation remains a key factor influencing Ukrainians' decisions about returning. — Ilona Havronska
This issue remains pertinent, as many Ukrainians remain abroad awaiting improved conditions for a return to their homeland. The Eurostat data reflects the protracted and complex nature of the crisis facing Ukraine and points to a sustained, though evolving, movement of people seeking safety in Europe. The decline in new protection grants may signal shifts in EU member state policies or changes in the underlying conditions driving migration decisions. This underscores the importance of continuously analyzing security and socio-economic factors that will influence any future return of displaced Ukrainians.