CIDOB Opinion 754, March 2023, discusses the unprecedented influx of Ukrainian refugees following Russia's invasion. A year later, approximately 4.8 million Ukrainian refugees have obtained temporary protection in Europe, with Poland receiving the most, followed by Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and the UK.
The initial response was unified and swift, with the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive, which provided collective protection without lengthy asylum procedures and ensured access to rights such as work, education, and healthcare. However, despite this, the situation remains challenging.
In terms of housing, the accommodation of millions of refugees was possible through temporary reception centers, private family accommodation, and other measures. While these were effective initially, they're not sustainable in the long term. The challenge now is how refugees can secure their own homes amidst limited housing market availability. Some countries are already reducing aid; for instance, in Poland, refugees staying over 120 days in reception centers must pay half the cost, increasing to 75% after 180 days.
Regarding employment, the situation varies significantly across countries. About half of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands are employed, compared to only 15% in France. Many face underemployment and precarious working conditions due to overqualification and language barriers, particularly affecting women who often struggle with family responsibilities and single parenthood.
After a year of accommodating refugees, concerns about the need for a more equitable distribution among member states have resurfaced. The German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser suggested that if another significant wave of Ukrainian refugees occurs, Europe should better distribute them. This highlights ongoing debates on responsibility distribution and solidarity in refugee policies.
The temporary protection mechanism provided immediate rights but is inherently unstable. Conditions and eligibility for protection can change. For example, the Netherlands recently withdrew temporary protection from non-EU residents in Ukraine. Similarly, the Czech Republic and Poland excluded Ukrainian refugees already protected in other EU countries from temporary protection.
The situation also raises discussions about a more equitable distribution of responsibility among member states. The need for long-term solutions to protect refugees' rights while addressing housing shortages and employment challenges remains critical. It's essential to consider diverse forms of solidarity and respect refugees' choices in selecting their destination for integration and acceptance.
