Ukrainian refugees are actively moving across Europe: which countries are the most popular?

The number of Ukrainians granted temporary protection in the European Union countries continues to grow, while there is a trend towards internal migration between states. By the end of 2026, about 4.35 million Ukrainian citizens will have temporary protection status in the EU, according to the latest Eurostat data.

Despite steady growth in the number of Ukrainians, contrasting trends are observed across countries. Some countries are reporting new arrivals, while others are recording a decrease in the number of Ukrainian refugees. This indicates that people are seeking new employment opportunities, better housing conditions, or more optimal social conditions by moving within the EU.

Eurostat estimates that Ukrainians account for 98.4% of all foreigners granted temporary protection in EU countries.

While the total number of refugees in Europe is increasing, four countries have recorded decreases in the number of Ukrainians holding this status. The largest outflow occurred in France, where the number decreased by 1,250 people, representing 2.35% of all Ukrainians in the country.

Negative dynamics were also observed in:

– Estonia — minus 470 people (1.35%);

– Latvia — minus 160 people (0.5%);

– Belgium — minus 60 people (0.06%).

Experts explain the decrease in the number of Ukrainians in these countries as a desire to find better employment and social adaptation conditions.

Among the main countries accepting refugees, Central and Western Europe remains a major destination. The largest indicators in terms of the number of Ukrainians with temporary protection are recorded in:

– Germany — over 1.25 million people (28.7% of all Ukrainians in the EU);

– Poland — 969,200 people (22.3%);

– Czech Republic — about 393,000 people (9%).

These countries have stable figures thanks to developed support programs, active labor markets, and geographical proximity to Ukraine.

In just one month, the number of Ukrainians with temporary protection increased in 26 EU countries. The largest number of new arrivals was recorded in Germany, where the increase amounted to 9,620 people (+0.8%). Spain is in second place with an increase of 2,235 people.

An unexpected increase was observed in Romania, where the number of Ukrainians increased by 2,160 people (+1.1%), attributed to the country’s geographical proximity to Ukraine and new programs to support displaced persons.

Regarding the density of Ukrainian settlement, the highest concentration is observed in the Czech Republic and Poland. In the Czech Republic, there are 36 Ukrainians with temporary protection per thousand residents; in Poland, 26.6. In countries with an outflow, such as France, the total number of Ukrainians is much smaller — approximately 51.8 thousand nationwide.