Germany surpasses Poland as largest host of Ukrainian refugees

Recent data from the European Statistical Bureau (Eurostat) reveals a significant shift in migration patterns, with a noticeable increase in the number of Ukrainian citizens moving from Poland to Germany.

Germany has now emerged as the most sought-after destination for Ukrainian refugees within the European Union, surpassing Poland by more than 150,000 individuals, Caliber.Az reports per Polish media.

According to Eurostat's latest report, by the end of 2024, Germany will host over 1.14 million Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection status. This accounts for 27.2% of the total number of such statuses across the European Union. In comparison, the number of Ukrainian refugees in Poland has decreased to 983,880, down from more than 1.3 million in 2022.

"Germany has become the top choice for Ukrainian refugees due to better economic prospects and social benefits," said an EU official. "Higher wages, more robust social welfare systems, and better healthcare services are all contributing factors driving this migration shift."

In third place is the Czech Republic, which has accepted 379,000 Ukrainian refugees. Overall, there is a growing trend of Ukrainians moving from Central and Eastern European countries to Western and Southern parts of the continent.

The primary factors behind the movement from Poland to Germany include economic advantages and the broader availability of social support. "Educational reforms, stricter conditions for access to social programmes, and economic challenges in Poland have made Germany a more appealing option for Ukrainian refugees," noted a migration expert.

For Europe, these developments suggest the need for a reevaluation of its long-term refugee integration and support policies. As the migration patterns evolve, EU countries may need to address the changing dynamics in order to effectively manage and support displaced populations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev