EU temporary protection numbers for Ukrainian refugees fall slightly in early 2026
Total of 4.33 million non-EU citizens fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion (Photo: REUTERS/Pierre Albouy)
The number of Ukrainian refugees holding temporary protection status in the EU decreased by 1.6%, or 68,980 people, in March 2026 compared to February 2026, Eurostat reported on May 8.
As of March 31, 2026, a total of 4.33 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion held temporary protection status.
Eurostat lists the three EU countries that have accepted the highest number of refugees from Ukraine and granted them temporary protection status: Germany with 1,274,955 people, or 29.4% of the EU total; Poland with 961,405, or 22.2%; and Czechia with 379,820, or 8.8%.
Among EU countries, the number of people under temporary protection increased in 14 countries and decreased in 13. The largest absolute increases were observed in Germany (+7,480 people, or +0.6%), Spain (+2,665, or +1.0%), and Romania (+2,125, or +1.0%).
The largest decrease was recorded in Italy (minus 30,365 people, or minus 47.4%), which is linked to the simultaneous expiration of a large number of permits at the end of the month due to the annual document renewal procedure. It is followed by Czechia (-19,810, or -5.0%) and Finland (-8,080, or -10.2%).
Ukrainians most often receive temporary protection in Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia, according to Eurostat data. Women make up 43.3% of the refugees from Ukraine, children account for 30.1%, and men comprise 26.6%.
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