Europeans are tired of Ukrainian refugees: how attitudes towards displaced persons have changed

Over the three years of war, Europe's attitude towards Ukrainian refugees has changed significantly. While at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, displaced persons were met with sympathy and open doors, now there are increasing calls to limit payments and reduce aid. Find out why Europeans are beginning to reconsider their attitude towards Ukrainians

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Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have found refuge in European Union countries. At that time, Europe opened its doors, launched a temporary protection regime and offered unprecedented support to those who fled the war. However, after almost three years, the situation has changed. In countries that previously showed maximum solidarity, voices of discontent and fatigue are increasingly being heard. Support has not disappeared, but it has become more restrained and pragmatic, and attitudes have become less clear-cut.

In the first months of the war, Europeans perceived Ukrainians as genuine refugees fleeing disaster, rather than migrants seeking economic gain. This aroused sympathy and a willingness to help, as these were people who had survived horrific circumstances. Over the years, as the crisis ceased to be temporary and became protracted, the mood began to change. Issues of social assistance, housing, integration and employment gradually came to the fore, causing discontent among some local residents.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, one of the countries that has accepted the largest number of Ukrainians, public opinion is divided. According to data from the STEM analytical centre, the majority of citizens still support the presence of Ukrainians, but want the scale of assistance to be reduced. At the same time, some of those surveyed believe that the Czech Republic should no longer accept new migrants. People close to liberal parties are more likely to perceive aid as a moral obligation, while supporters of populist and radical movements demand restrictions and the return of refugees to their homeland. These contradictions reflect not only political divisions, but also society's fatigue from prolonged uncertainty.

Germany

In Germany, the process of ‘fatigue’ has been particularly evident. More than two-thirds of citizens oppose social benefits for Ukrainian migrants, and the majority believe that men of conscription age should return home. Germans feel the growing burden on the social security system, as it is not only about housing and assistance, but also about schools, healthcare and integration programmes. For a country that already has experience with mass migration, the new wave of refugees has become a test of strength, and attitudes towards Ukrainians are gradually becoming less emotional and more rational.

Poland

Poland, which in the first months of the war became a symbol of hospitality, is also experiencing a change in sentiment. While in 2022 almost 90% of Poles supported the reception of Ukrainians, today this figure has fallen significantly. Many believe that the assistance has become excessive and should only be provided to those who work and pay taxes. Against the backdrop of economic pressure and growing domestic social demands, Poles are increasingly talking about the need to redistribute resources, and the topic of refugees is gradually becoming part of the domestic political debate.

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Why has the level of support for Ukrainians in the EU fallen?

The reasons for these changes are not only financial. The war, which has been going on for three years now, has destroyed the sense of temporariness. People in the host countries have begun to perceive the presence of Ukrainians as part of a new reality, rather than a short-term humanitarian episode. Fatigue and irritation have set in, especially in regions where the strain on infrastructure has become noticeable. At the same time, Ukrainians who work, learn the language and actively participate in society continue to command respect — it is precisely such examples that maintain trust and sympathy.

For Ukrainians themselves, this is a new stage — from the status of ‘refugees’ to the need for real integration. European governments are gradually moving from emergency measures to systematic policies: now it is important not only to help, but also to include people in the economy, education and social life. This means that aid may be reduced and self-sufficiency requirements may increase. Some countries are already discussing that benefits should only be given to those who work or take language courses.

Despite the obvious fatigue, it is too early to talk about a complete reversal of Europe's position on Ukraine. Most EU residents still support aid to the country under attack, but want it to be more rational. Humanitarian solidarity is gradually giving way to pragmatism, and the concept of ‘temporary protection’ is no longer temporary. This is a natural process — Europe is adapting to a new reality in which the war has dragged on and millions of Ukrainians have become part of European society, albeit involuntarily.

Reminder! For more than three years, Ukrainians have been living in EU countries under temporary protection due to the war in Ukraine. But now there are discussions about a plan to gradually end this programme by 2027, as well as new legal ways to live, work and study. Find out what awaits Ukrainians in the EU after the end of temporary protection and how to prepare for the new rules.

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