Surprisingly, Poland is no longer the leader in the number of Ukrainian refugees. Find out where Ukrainians have temporarily settled and what percentage of them have expressed their readiness to return to Ukraine if it becomes a NATO member

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Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has welcomed Ukrainians fleeing the war. According to estimates, as of 31 May, more than 4 million refugees have been granted asylum in Europe. Which countries have taken in the largest number of IDPs from Ukraine and how many refugees plan to return home if Ukraine becomes a NATO member - read on. 

Which EU countries have received the largest number of Ukrainian refugees? 

According to Eurostat, the countries that have received the largest number of refugees are: 

● Germany. 1,111,590 refugees;

● Poland. 991,375 refugees;

● Czech Republic. 340,090 refugees.

As of the end of May 2023, the number of persons granted temporary protection in the European Union increased by 1.4% compared to April. Between April and May 2023, the following countries received the largest number of refugees: 

● Germany. 21,355 refugees;

● Czech Republic. 8,240 refugees;

● Romania. 3,825 refugees. 

Countries where the number of Ukrainian refugees decreased 

It is noted that during this period, some EU countries have seen a decrease in the number of Ukrainian IDPs. For example, in Poland, the number of IDPs granted temporary protection decreased by 3,660 people.

Similar dynamics are observed in Portugal, where the number of refugees with temporary protection decreased by 470 people, and in France - by 170 people. 

In Estonia, a slight decrease of only 30 people was recorded. 

It is noted that during this period, refugees from the war in Ukraine accounted for 98% of the total number of those granted temporary protection in Europe.

There were 46.6% of adult women with temporary protection, most of whom were aged 35 to 64. Children made up 34.6 per cent and men only 18.8 per cent of the total number of refugees from Ukraine to the European Union.

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How many refugees plan to return home after Ukraine joins NATO and the EU?

Recently, the EWL platform, the EWL Foundation and the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw conducted a study, which shows that Ukraine's accession to NATO and the EU is one of the key factors for Ukrainian refugees to return home from abroad. In particular:

● 43% of war refugees and 40% of pre-war migrants plan to return home after Ukraine joins NATO;

● 51 per cent of war refugees and 67 per cent of economic migrants consider EU accession to be a reason to return to Ukraine. 

Ukraine officially applied for membership in the European Union immediately after the start of the russian invasion, and in June 2022, it was granted EU candidate status. Read our article to find out how European integration is progressing and what conditions Ukraine needs to fulfil to join the EU. 

"The prospect of joining NATO provides greater security for Ukraine and its citizens, as well as the development of the latest technologies, attracts investors and promotes a stable business environment. At the same time, accession to the European Union simplifies access to the European market, increases investment and improves cooperation. This will have a positive impact on economic development, stimulate the creation of new jobs and generally improve the living standards of Ukrainians," comments Andrzej Korkus, Chairman of the Board of the EWL platform.

There are other factors that can influence the speedy return of Ukrainian refugees home from abroad. Among them:

● improved working conditions and higher wages;

● easing the conditions for doing business;

● reforms in the areas of security, healthcare, education and justice. 

As a reminder, on 30 September 2022, Ukraine applied to join NATO. On 11 July 2023, the first day of the NATO leaders' meeting took place in Vilnius. Read more about the preliminary results of the summit for Ukraine and what to expect from the NATO-Ukraine Council on 12 July here.

Photo: J. Stacevičius / LRT photo.

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