As of the end of June, the number of people who fled Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion and have been granted temporary protection in EU countries exceeded 4.4 million.
The figures were published by Eurostat on Tuesday, according to Ukrinform.
Compared with the end of May, the total number of people from Ukraine under temporary protection in the EU increased by 24,380, or 0.6%, reaching 4,407,675.
Among EU countries, Germany hosted the largest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine, with 1,286,230 people, or 29.2% of the EU total. It was followed by Poland with 961,170 (21.8%) and Czechia with 390,810 (8.9%).
Compared with the end of May, the number of people under temporary protection increased in 24 of the EU’s 27 member states. The largest absolute increases were recorded in Italy (+4,115; +8.8%), Czechia (+3,835; +1%) and Germany (+2,960; +0.2%).
The number declined in three countries: Poland (-6,335; -0.7%), Belgium (-35; -0.04%) and Ireland (-15; -0.01%).
As of June 30, more than 98.5% of beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU were Ukrainian citizens. Adult women accounted for 43.4% of the total, adult men for 27%, while minors represented almost a third, at 29.6%.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU activated its Temporary Protection Directive, giving Ukrainians fleeing the war the right to legally reside in the EU and access basic services, including healthcare and education, as well as the right to work.
On July 15, EU member states agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until March 2028, with the Council of the EU subsequently formalizing the decision.
The document also clarifies the conditions for granting temporary protection to new applicants. In particular, protection will not be granted to individuals who cannot demonstrate compliance with their military obligations under Ukrainian law. The decision states that this requirement was introduced in view of Ukraine’s current defense needs. EU member states may request relevant documents or other evidence to verify compliance with military obligations.
Main image: © Mircea Moira
