The number of Ukrainians receiving temporary protection in Europe has increased: how many citizens have been granted status

Since the beginning of the war, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to seek refuge in European Union countries. The temporary protection mechanism has become a key tool for their integration and support. As of May 2025, more than 4.28 million Ukrainians are under protection in the EU, and this number continues to grow. Find out which countries provide the most support to Ukrainians, where there has been an increase or decrease in numbers, and how the composition of refugees is changing

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Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety. The European Union has provided them with a temporary protection mechanism that ensures access to housing, education, healthcare and the labour market. As of 31 May 2025, 4.28 million Ukrainians were under temporary protection in EU countries, 10,825 more than a month earlier. This is reported in the latest Eurostat report.

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Where are most Ukrainians?

Three countries remain the main destinations for Ukrainians who have received temporary protection:

▪️ Germany — 1,192,840 people (27.9% of the total number in the EU)

▪️ Poland — 986,845 (23.1%)

▪️ Czech Republic — 373,675 (8.7%)

In these countries, Ukrainians are provided with housing, access to social support and employment programmes, and integration initiatives are being actively developed.

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Where is the number of Ukrainians under protection growing the fastest?

The largest increase in the number of temporarily protected persons was recorded in:

▪️ Germany: +3,485 persons in May

▪️ Czech Republic: +3,075

▪️ Spain: +2,110

These countries are strengthening their adaptation programmes, making them attractive to new applicants.

Where has the number decreased?

A decrease in the number of Ukrainians with temporary protection has been observed in:

▪️ Bulgaria: -9,270 people (-12.5%)

▪️ France: -445 (-0.8%)

▪️ Slovakia: -155 (-0.1%)

The reasons may vary: from some Ukrainians returning home to moving to other EU countries with more favourable conditions.

Gender statistics of persons granted temporary protection

Composition of Ukrainians granted temporary protection, as of May 2025:

▪️ Women (18+) — 44.6%

▪️ Children (under 18) — 31.4%

▪️ Men (18+) — 23.9%

It is interesting to note that the proportion of adult men increased from 20.4% in January 2024 to 23.9%. This may indicate that more men are gaining the right to leave Ukraine or are reuniting with their families.

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Reminder! The EU has made a final decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians.

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