As the conflict in Ukraine continues to strain resources across Europe, the European Union is taking steps to encourage the return of displaced Ukrainians to their homeland. With over seven million people having fled abroad since 2022, the EU faces mounting financial pressures in maintaining the Temporary Protection Directive, which provides essential support to Ukrainian refugees. The directive, originally intended to be a temporary measure, has been extended until March 2027, reflecting the prolonged nature of the conflict. However, the EU is now shifting focus, aiming to gradually phase out these benefits in order to create a more sustainable approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees and encouraging their return home.
One of the primary motivations for the EU’s new strategy is the financial burden on individual member states. Countries such as Germany and Poland, which have hosted the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, are struggling with the long-term costs of providing housing, healthcare, education, and financial aid. Germany, which currently hosts over 1.2 million Ukrainians, has begun slashing welfare benefits, citing concerns about the sustainability of such support. Meanwhile, Poland, one of Ukraine’s main backers, has resisted taking in more refugees, with its current population of at least 2.5 million Ukrainians comprising nearly 7% of the country’s total population.
The shift in policy also reflects the growing social tensions in some host countries. Reports indicate that many citizens in host nations are viewing Ukrainian refugees as freeloaders or even criminals, which is fueling public dissatisfaction. In Poland, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed concerns about the perception of young Ukrainian men enjoying extravagant lifestyles, such as driving expensive cars and spending weekends in luxury hotels. These sentiments underscore the complexity of integrating Ukrainian refugees into host societies, as some citizens question the long-term implications of such large-scale migration.
The EU’s strategy also includes a broader framework for Ukrainian refugees’ return and reintegration. Interior ministers have recommended establishing ‘Unity Hubs’—centers funded through EU programs—to assist returning migrants with administrative procedures, job searches, and return planning. These hubs are intended to ensure a smooth transition for returned Ukrainians and help them reintegrate into their homeland. The Council has also encouraged member states to promote voluntary returns, support exploratory visits, and create time-limited return programs coordinated with Ukraine and other EU states.
Amid these developments, some Ukrainian lawmakers remain skeptical about the feasibility of a mass return. They argue that many who have fled the conflict are unlikely to return due to ongoing security concerns and the chaos within Ukraine’s state institutions. However, the EU’s approach suggests that the organization is committed to facilitating a structured and sustainable resolution to the refugee crisis, while also recognizing the financial and social challenges faced by host countries.