Over the past three years, Ukrainians have become the largest group of refugees in Europe. The war forced millions of our citizens to seek refuge in EU countries. The first year after the start of the full-scale invasion was marked by unprecedented support, with European states opening their borders, providing housing, allowing employment and simplifying bureaucratic procedures. However, over time, public attitudes began to change. War fatigue, economic difficulties and internal political problems in the countries that accepted the most Ukrainians affected the attitude of the local population. If in 2022, the majority of Europeans supported the provision of assistance to Ukrainian refugees, then in 2024-2025 there are increasingly calls to review the conditions of their stay.
In Poland and the Czech Republic, there are already discussions about the need to gradually integrate Ukrainians into the labor market without special privileges or to stimulate their return home after the cessation of hostilities. In Germany, more and more politicians are also saying that financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees should be reduced, and the support system should be adapted to new realities. So, Europe faces a difficult choice: to continue the policy of support or to review the status of temporary protection and return Ukrainians to general immigration rules.
The status of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic after the end of the war
As reported Minister of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic Vit Rakušan, EU countries are preparing for a possible truce between Kyiv and Moscow. According to him, the Czech Republic will stop automatically granting the status of temporary protection immediately after the end of hostilities. This means that Ukrainians who want to stay will have to apply for a residence permit on general grounds. Rakušan also noted that the possible mass arrival of men to the Czech Republic after the war could create new migration challenges, so the government should prevent an uncontrolled wave of refugees.
“No matter how the war ends, no one will be able to come here after it ends within the framework of the temporary protection institute.” Rakushan noted.
According to him, if hostilities in Ukraine stop, the status of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic will be canceled the very next day. However, they will have the opportunity to stay in the country for a certain time – about a year or a year and a half. During this period, Ukrainians will have to switch to the general regime of residence, which applies to all foreigners.
At the same time, the possibility of obtaining temporary residence or political asylum will be limited. Currently, this option is available, in particular, to residents of the occupied territories, but this may change after the end of the war.
“According to the results of surveys, about 50% of Ukrainian refugees express a desire to stay in the Czech Republic. This is approximately two hundred thousand people, and our country is able to cope with such a scenario.” – said the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic, Vit Rakushan.
He noted that the Czech government is preparing various options for the development of events in the event of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
“Together with Poland, which presides over the Council of the European Union, we are working on relevant documents. We plan to complete their preparation in the coming months.” Rakushan emphasized.
In his opinion, such a decision should be made at the level of the entire European Union. Prague insists that the main proposals regarding the further status of Ukrainian refugees be formed by the end of June, while the Polish presidency of the EU Council continues.
“Neither Spain, nor France, nor any other country that does not feel as acute a problem as we do, will develop this plan. This is our joint task.” – added the minister.
He also reminded that EU countries are planning to create special centers for Ukrainian refugees that will facilitate their return to the Motherland. According to Rakushan, such initiatives have already been discussed in Germany, Poland and Austria, and a similar center will appear in the Czech Republic.
“These centers will offer Ukrainians work in Ukraine, housing and concrete prospects for return. At the same time, they will also provide support to those who decide to stay in the EU, helping them move to other countries.” – concluded the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Which provides for the extension of temporary protection until 2026
In the summer of 2024, the Council of the European Union decided to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainians until March 4, 2026. This decision was made taking into account the continuation of hostilities in Ukraine and the impossibility of a mass return of refugees home.
This means that until 2026, Ukrainians who have the status of temporary protection can stay in the EU countries without hindrance, use medical and social services, get a job and get an education. However, after this date, the situation may change depending on geopolitical conditions and internal policies of individual states.
What can Ukrainians expect in Europe
The main challenge for Ukrainian refugees in the coming years is the gradual loss of the status of “privileged” migrants and the need to compete with other migrants on equal terms. Governments of countries that initially openly supported Ukrainians are now faced with economic difficulties, political instability and growing discontent among the local population.
Some Ukrainians who have managed to integrate into European societies, find stable work and social connections, will have the opportunity to obtain a permanent residence permit. However, those who are still dependent on welfare or have not found stable income may find it more difficult to stay after temporary protection ends.
Despite the challenges, many European countries recognize that Ukrainians have become an important factor in their labor markets and economies. In Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and other countries, there is already a noticeable shortage of labor, and Ukrainian workers help to fill this need. Therefore, it is likely that some EU countries will develop special migration programs that will allow Ukrainians to stay legally even after the end of the war.
The final decision regarding the future of Ukrainian refugees will depend not only on the European Union, but also on the situation in Ukraine itself. If after the war the country begins to rebuild quickly and create conditions for the return of its citizens, some of the Ukrainians who left will indeed return home. However, for those who have adapted to life abroad, Europe can become a permanent place of residence.
So, Ukrainians in Europe found themselves on the threshold of change. Despite the fact that their temporary protection status has been extended until 2026, EU countries are already preparing for the moment when this status will expire. Ahead of Ukrainian refugees is a transitional period, during which they will have to make a decision: to remain in Europe on general grounds or to return to the Motherland.
The following months will be decisive – both for Ukrainian refugees and for the European Union’s policy regarding their future.
