Ukrainians residing in European Union countries under temporary protection are making a significant positive impact on labor markets and local economies, according to Ilva Johansson, the EU’s special envoy for Ukrainian citizens, in an interview with Radio Free Europe.
Johansson noted that while the level of integration of Ukrainians into labor markets varies by country, the overall trend is encouraging, with increasing employment rates among Ukrainians in EU member states.
“The general situation is that they are contributing to the labor market. I believe that in the future, employers in member states will want to retain them,” Johansson stated.
She emphasized that in certain countries, the participation rate of Ukrainians in the labor market has approached that of the local population, particularly in Poland and the Czech Republic, where the figures are notably high.
In a study conducted in the Czech Republic, it was found that Ukrainians contributed significantly more in taxes than the state spent on social benefits for them last year. Specifically, during the first half of 2025, Ukrainians contributed 15 billion crowns (approximately 616 million euros) to the Czech budget through taxes, while government expenditures on humanitarian aid, housing, healthcare, and education amounted to 7.6 billion crowns (around 312 million euros).
Johansson further highlighted that Ukrainians in the EU are increasingly viewed not only as labor for national markets but also as vital resources for projects related to Ukraine.
“I am currently engaging in discussions with the business sector, as many European companies are already present in Ukraine. These companies are seeking Ukrainian labor here in member states to send back to Ukraine, as they require language proficiency and cultural skills,” Johansson explained.
She also pointed out that the upskilling of Ukrainians in EU countries and their involvement in transnational projects could play a crucial role in the reconstruction of Ukraine and its further integration into the European Union.
According to Eurostat data, as of November 2025, there were 4.33 million Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU countries.
Ukrainians in the EU are positively impacting local labor markets, contributing more in taxes than they receive in benefits. Their integration is seen as beneficial for future projects related to Ukraine's reconstruction.
Source: Radio Free Europe