Ukrainian refugees in the EU: where they go most and which countries they leave
13 February 2024 09:07
As of 31 December 2023, 4.31 million Ukrainian citizens had temporary protection status in Europe, according to 
with reference to Eurostat.
Ukrainians accounted for more than 98% of those granted temporary protection in Europe. Of these, adult women accounted for almost half – 46.2%, children accounted for almost a third – 33.2%, and adult men accounted for just over 20.6%.
The main EU countries receiving people were:
- Germany (1,251,245 people; 29.0% of the EU total);
- Poland (954,795; 22.1%);
- Czech Republic (373,035; 8.7%).
Compared to the population of each EU country, the highest number of persons granted temporary protection per thousand people at the end of December 2023 was observed in the Czech Republic – 34.5, Bulgaria – 26.5, Estonia – 26.3, Lithuania – 26.2 and Poland – 26.0.
The number of persons under temporary protectionslightly decreased in 3 EU countries, namely Italy (-125 persons; -0.1%), France (-245 persons; -0.4%) and Poland (-315 persons; -0.0%).
According to updated UNHCR data, the number of Ukrainian refugees in Europe was estimated at 5.954 million at the end of last year, and 6.357 million worldwide.
What is temporary protection in the EU?
Due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, since 24 February 2022, Ukrainian citizens have been able to apply for international protection in the European Union (asylum). Refugee status or subsidiary protection can be granted. At the same time, another tool has become relevant – “temporary protection” in one of the EU countries.
Temporary protection does not mean obtaining refugee status in accordance with the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, which grants rights similar to a residence permit. However, persons who have been granted temporary protection in the EU may apply for refugee status at any time.
Temporary protection is a procedure that is applied only in the case of a massive or imminent mass influx of displaced persons from third countries who are unable to return to their country of origin. These persons are granted immediate and temporary protection, especially if there is a risk that the asylum system will not be able to handle the influx without adversely affecting its effective operation, in the interests of the persons concerned and other asylum seekers.
