Temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees in Europe after four years of full-scale war: changes and trends

After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, European countries introduced special support programs for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave their homes. Over the four years of the war, these programs have constantly changed, covering a wide range of measures – from financial assistance to language courses and educational grants. Many refugees benefit from temporary protection, which allows them to legally reside in European Union countries, receive healthcare, access to education and employment, and provides basic social benefits. However, many European countries have reduced the amount of benefits for newly arrived Ukrainians, shortened the terms of free residence in public housing and introduced additional restrictions that affect the daily life and economic stability of refugees.

Main areas of support and demographic features

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU continues, with the latest extension extending it until 2027. Currently, 4.35 million people enjoy temporary protection in EU countries, which is only a fraction of the total number of refugees. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are about seven million Ukrainians in the world who have been forced to leave the country. Ukrainian government estimates put the number at around 7.5 million departures, which is more than the population of Denmark or just over three Moldovas. Demographers add to this figure those who died, were occupied, and the projected birth rate losses due to the war.

The largest number of Ukrainians remaining under protection in the EU are mothers with children and middle-aged women, who account for approximately three-quarters of all refugees. Every second refugee is a minor, while men make up only about a quarter. According to Eurostat, at the end of 2025, the largest number of Ukrainians were in Germany (1.25 million people), Poland (969 thousand) and the Czech Republic (393 thousand). They were followed by Spain (255 thousand) and Romania (202 thousand). In December 2025, the number of Ukrainians under temporary protection continued to grow: almost 25 thousand new registrations were recorded in 22 EU countries, with the largest increase observed in Germany, Spain and Romania.

Given the duration of the war and the constant extension of temporary protection, most Ukrainians are now leaving less often than in the first months of the war, and a significant part has already returned to their homeland. Eurostat reports that in 2025, 683,395 decisions on granting temporary protection were issued, which is 16.3% less than in 2024.

Reduction in social assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Europe

Despite support, in most European Union countries there is a clear trend towards reducing the amount of social benefits for Ukrainian refugees and simultaneously complicating the conditions for their receipt. In particular, assistance is now conditional on demonstrating active steps towards integration into local society: the refugee must look for work, learn the local language and ensure that their children attend school.

Germany previously provided Ukrainians with Bürgergeld payments on a par with nationals, including free housing, healthcare, education and cash assistance of 563 euros per person per month. However, from the beginning of 2025, lower payments under the asylum seeker system have been established for those who arrived after April 1. In addition, the right to family reunification for newly arrived Ukrainians has been suspended. At the same time, some support the restriction of benefits, especially for men of military age, which reflects a change in public attitudes.

In Norway, from 2025, benefits of €564 per month will be provided only to those living in public dormitories, while refugees in private housing will no longer have such support. Additionally, the admission of refugees with pets to public dormitories has been abolished, and free dentistry for young people under 24 years of age has become available only after five years of residence in the country.

Ireland has equalized benefits for all Ukrainians living in public housing since August 2024, reducing the benefit to €38.80 per week instead of the previous €220. The reduction did not apply to those renting private accommodation or living with Irish families, but overall it significantly reduced support for newly arrived refugees.

In Poland, social benefits are tied to employment. The one-off payment of 300 zlotys was abolished in the summer of 2022, and the “800+” child benefit is only provided if there is formal employment or entrepreneurial activity. In 2025, officials recorded that more than half of Ukrainians in Poland do not receive one-time payments, and the population’s attitude towards refugees has deteriorated: in early January 2026, only 48% of respondents approved of supporting the reception of Ukrainians.

The Czech Republic has reduced the period of free residence to three months and requires a notarized lease to extend temporary protection. From 2025, payments will be 200 euros for adults and 143 euros for children, and if an able-bodied refugee does not find a job within 150 days, the benefit is reduced to the subsistence minimum of 129 euros per month.

Despite the reduction in financial support, general assistance has not collapsed completely, and states are trying to balance expenses with the integration of Ukrainians into local life. The gradual reduction in payments and stricter conditions for receiving assistance reflect the willingness of countries to maintain temporary protection while encouraging refugees to find employment and become self-sufficient.

Although the amount of support has decreased, overall public support for Ukrainian refugees remains high. According to Eurobarometer data, in spring 2025, 80% of Europeans supported accepting Ukrainians, although the level of support varies greatly from country to country: the lowest in the Czech Republic (53%) and the highest in Finland and Sweden (97%).

In addition, some states are considering assistance programs for the return of Ukrainians home after the war. Switzerland and Norway provide one-time travel payments, but their effectiveness is limited, as decisions on return are determined by the security situation, the availability of housing and work, and not just financial compensation.

From the four-year experience of supporting Ukrainian refugees in the EU, it can be stated that temporary protection programs are constantly adapting to new circumstances, and their effectiveness depends not only on the amount of social assistance, but also on the conditions of integration, access to education, employment and housing. The sustainability of such programs and the willingness of countries to continue temporary protection remain key factors in ensuring the rights and security of Ukrainian citizens abroad.