By February 28, 2026, some 4.40 million people who fled Ukraine continued to live under temporary protection across the European Union, reflecting the bloc’s ongoing response
to displacement caused by the war. The figure marks a modest monthly rise of 22,415 individuals, or 0.5%, compared with January.
Germany remains the primary destination, hosting over 1.26 million beneficiaries—nearly 29% of the EU total. Poland follows with close to 967,000 people, while Czechia accounts for nearly 400,000. Together, these three countries shelter the majority of those granted protection.
Across the EU, most countries reported increases in February. Germany recorded the largest numerical rise, adding more than 7,000 people, followed by Czechia and Spain. Only a handful of countries—notably Estonia, France, and Luxembourg—saw slight declines, largely influenced by administrative updates such as deregistration processes.
When measured relative to population size, Czechia stands out, hosting 36.6 beneficiaries per thousand residents. Poland and Slovakia also carry a significant proportional burden, far exceeding the EU average of 9.8 per thousand.
Ukrainian nationals make up more than 98% of those under temporary protection. Women represent the largest share at 43.5%, while minors account for just over 30%. Adult men comprise roughly a quarter of the total population.
What is temporary protection in the EU?
Temporary protection is a special emergency mechanism activated by the EU to respond quickly to large-scale displacement. Introduced under a 2001 directive and first used in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it allows displaced persons to live, work, and access essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education without going through lengthy asylum procedures.
The system is designed to ease pressure on national asylum systems during crises while ensuring immediate safety and legal status for those affected. It applies collectively rather than individually, making it faster and more flexible than traditional asylum processes.
In June 2025, EU leaders agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to support those unable to return home safely.
A system under strain, but holding
While the increase in February was relatively small, the overall number underscores the continued scale of displacement nearly four years after the war began. Differences in national reporting systems and deregistration practices can cause fluctuations in monthly data, but the broader trend remains stable.
The EU’s temporary protection framework has become a central pillar of its migration response—balancing humanitarian support with practical management of large population movements. As the conflict persists, the mechanism is likely to remain in place, shaping Europe’s approach to refugee protection in the years ahead. Photo by Dpsu.gov.ua, Wikimedia commons.