The number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in the EU has decreased: where were the biggest changes recorded?

The number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU countries has decreased by nearly 69,000. Find out which countries saw the largest increases and decreases in the number of Ukrainians, and what is happening with temporary protection status in Europe

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As of March 31, 2026, 4.33 million Ukrainian citizens who had fled due to the full-scale war were under temporary protection in European Union countries. At the same time, compared to the end of February, the total number of Ukrainians with this status decreased by nearly 69,000. This is according to new Eurostat data.

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How many Ukrainians are under temporary protection in the EU?

According to official statistics, the number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU countries decreased by 68,980 in March. At the same time, the situation varies significantly across different countries. In 14 European Union countries, the number of Ukrainians with temporary protection status continued to rise, while 13 countries saw a decrease.

The largest increase in the number of Ukrainians was recorded in:

● Germany — +7,480 people;

● Spain — +2,665 people;

● Romania — +2,125 people.

At the same time, the largest decrease in the number of people under temporary protection was recorded in:

● Italy — −30,365 people;

● the Czech Republic — −19,810 people;

● Finland — −8,080 people.

Why has the number of Ukrainians under protection in Italy dropped sharply?

In Italy, this sharp decrease in the number of Ukrainians is attributed to the annual renewal procedure for residence permits. Due to the simultaneous expiration of some documents, the statistics temporarily showed a significant decrease in the number of people under protection. This does not necessarily mean a mass exodus of Ukrainians from the country, but may be related specifically to administrative procedures and status renewals. Similar situations have already occurred in some EU countries during document renewals or changes to registration rules.

Read also: Ukrainians in the EU: Which countries have stopped receiving refugees?

Who exactly is under temporary protection in Europe?

Eurostat has also published the demographic breakdown of Ukrainians currently under temporary protection in the European Union. Among all recipients of the status:

● 43.3% are women;

● 30.1% are children;

● 26.6% are men.

Why do temporary protection statistics constantly change?

Changes in the number of Ukrainians under temporary protection may be linked to several factors:

● the renewal or expiration of documents;

● moving between EU countries;

● the return of some Ukrainians home;

● transitioning to other types of residence permits;

● formal employment or education.

In many European countries, Ukrainians are gradually transitioning from temporary protection to long-term legalization options—work permits, student visas, or other types of residence permits.

That is why more and more people need advice on legal residence abroad. Ukrainians planning to remain in EU countries after the expiration of temporary protection can contact Visit Ukraine’s immigration lawyers to receive guidance on renewing documents, applying for a residence permit, or changing their immigration status.

We remind you! The digitization of employment records in Ukraine will be completed in 2026. Read why this is important for Ukrainians with temporary protection in the EU, how to submit documents, and how to preserve your work history.

Photo: Freepik

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