Since the European Union implemented a temporary protection framework for Ukrainians fleeing the war started by Russia, about 4 million people gained the right to stay, work, or study in the EU for up to three years without going through a full asylum process. The measure began with a one year approval and has since been extended by another year. EU officials have signaled willingness to extend protection further if needed, with adjustments to be made to respond to ongoing conditions. The vice president responsible for promoting the European way of life, Margaret Schinas, emphasized continued support for Ukraine should conditions require it.
The temporary protection directive provides up to three years of protection and is designed to respond swiftly to large influxes of internally displaced persons. It offers immediate protection in times of crisis, built on lessons from past displacements in the Balkans and the Syria conflict. In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, all Twenty-Seven member states coordinated quickly to guarantee rapid and effective protection for Ukrainian refugees.
four million people
European Commission reporting shows that roughly 4 million individuals were affected by the activation of temporary protection. This includes more than 3 million in the first half of 2022 who lost access to certain rights such as residence permits, access to the labor market, vocational education or training, adequate housing, social support, and healthcare. Since mid-2022, the number of registered applicants for temporary protection has generally declined, though it has experienced fluctuations along the way.
The latest data indicate substantial movement within the EU. By the end of the reporting period, tens of millions of Ukrainian and Moldovan citizens had moved among EU countries, with host states including Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain receiving the largest shares. When comparing protection across member states, Estonia, Poland, and the Czech Republic recorded the highest per capita concentrations of beneficiaries.
Brussels reports show that 47 percent of those displaced are women and 34 percent are children. Among the children, the majority were under 13 years old, with a small portion recorded as unaccompanied minors. The data also highlight that a significant number of Ukrainian children have found refuge in the EU, and a large portion of internally displaced individuals have already secured employment in European economies. A year into the program, supporters describe temporary protection as a demonstration of unity and solidarity within the Union toward people affected by the war. The interior commissioner, Ylva Johansson, has underscored the EU’s rapid response and the protection it has offered to those in need.