How is the policy regarding Ukrainian refugees changing in European countries after almost three years of war?

The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament has finally approved the Lex Ukrajina VII law that will extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees. The current protection expires on March 31. With the law’s passage, it will be extended for another year. Also, refugees who have stable jobs and do not receive state assistance can apply for a special long-term residence permit. The law will come into force in early February.

In Lithuania, due to registrations by persons with inactive status being discontinued, the number of Ukrainian refugees decreased by 33,455 people (41%) during the month to 47,610 as of October 31 2024. This year, the Lithuanian Migration Service has tightened control over the stay of foreigners in the country.

As of the end of October, 4.2 million Ukrainians in the EU had temporary protection status. The largest number of refugees was in Germany (1.14 million), Poland (983,880), and the Czech Republic (379,370).