A change of heart: what awaits Ukrainian refugees in Europe

However, the conditions of stay and support for refugees have changed over time: this reflects both the adaptation of host countries to new realities and the need to integrate Ukrainians into European society.

Changes in legislation and conditions of stay

• Slovakia
  As of 1 March 2025, Slovakia reduced the period of stay of newly arrived Ukrainian refugees in accommodation centres from 120 to 60 days. Accordingly, housing subsidy will be provided only for this period. These changes do not affect vulnerable categories of the population.

• Austria
  New rules on basic assistance for Ukrainian refugees are planned to be introduced from the beginning of 2025. In particular, ownership of a car may become a ground for refusal to receive this assistance, as it is considered that a person who is able to maintain a vehicle does not need state support.

• Switzerland
  In contrast, Switzerland plans to simplify the employment of Ukrainian refugees by February 2025 by introducing a notification (instead of permit) procedure. Once employed, refugees will be able to change their canton of residence, but will be obliged to participate in social integration programmes.

Extension of temporary protection

In June 2024, the EU Council decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2026. This decision provides a legal basis for Ukrainians to stay in EU countries, as well as access to social services.

Attitudes of Europeans towards Ukrainian refugees

According to research, in Latvia, the level of support for accepting Ukrainian refugees fell from 60 per cent in March 2024 to 48 per cent in August of the same year. In Poland, which received about 950 thousand Ukrainians, the readiness of citizens to accept refugees has also decreased: from 30% at the beginning of the war to 17% in June 2024.

At the same time, according to KMIS, 47 per cent of Ukrainians are fully tolerant of refugees, and another almost 40 per cent agree that they should return to Ukraine. Only 13% of respondents do not support the return of refugees.

Return of Ukrainians to their homeland

The Ukrainian government is actively encouraging its citizens to return home, especially given the need for specialists to rebuild the country. Together with the German authorities it is planned to create special centres - "Unity Hubs", which will facilitate the return of Ukrainian refugees home. At the same time, workers in certain sectors will be guaranteed that they will not be drafted into the army.

Attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees in Europe remain generally positive, but there is a gradual decrease in the level of support and the emergence of new conditions of stay. It is important for Ukrainians abroad to keep abreast of changes in the legislation of host countries and to actively integrate into local communities without losing touch with their homeland.