The number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU countries decreased to 4.37 million

The European Statistical Office (Eurostat) published September 2026 data on those who fled the war in Ukraine and took refuge in EU countries and were granted temporary protection status.

Accordingly, as of September 30, the number of citizens of non-EU countries fleeing from Ukraine, who benefit from temporary protection status in EU countries, was 4 million 370 thousand. This number decreased by 61 thousand 55 people (1.4 percent) compared to August 31.

The EU countries with the highest number of people benefiting from temporary protection status were Germany with 1 million 300 thousand 70 people, corresponding to 29.7 percent of the total, Poland with 858 thousand 545 people, corresponding to 19.6 percent, and the Czech Republic with 391 thousand 720 people, corresponding to 9 percent.

Between the end of August and the end of September, the number of people under temporary protection increased in 25 of the EU's 27 members. The highest increases were recorded in Germany with 5 thousand 515 people, Romania with 3 thousand 900 people and Italy with 2 thousand 505 people.

The number of people under temporary protection decreased by 80 thousand 850 in Poland and by 6 thousand 640 in the Czech Republic. Czechia became "the country hosting the highest number of Ukrainians in proportion to its population."

98.5 percent of those benefiting from temporary protection status were Ukrainian citizens. 44.1 percent of these people were adult women, 27.9 percent were adult men, and 28 percent were children.

EU extends temporary protection period until 2028

The EU first enacted the Temporary Protection Directive on March 4, 2022, in order to provide protection to Ukrainians who fled their country after the start of the Russia-Ukraine War.

In this context, Ukrainians can obtain residence and work permits and benefit from health and education services in EU countries without being subject to the normal asylum procedure. They can also benefit from housing and social assistance opportunities.

With the decision taken on July 15, the EU Council extended the period of temporary protection provided to Ukrainians from March 4, 2027 to March 4, 2028.