Financial pressure and the "squeezing out" of refugees

A worrying trend is forming in European countries aimed at pushing Ukrainian refugees back to their homeland. This was stated by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the situation is not yet hopeless, but requires immediate response to prevent people from being evicted.

The official, who has traveled across Europe and spoken with Ukrainians, describes the methods used to create unbearable conditions. One of the key tools is financial pressure. O'Flaherty notes the reduction of social payments, which creates serious difficulties for families, as well as a decrease in housing support programs. While solvent citizens may still find housing on the market, for pensioners and people without means this becomes a critical problem.

Rise of xenophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric

Aside from economic levers, the Commissioner notes a rise in hatred towards Ukrainians. Although this phenomenon is not universal, it has already become a noticeable fact. Ukrainians are increasingly falling victim to general anti-immigrant rhetoric promoted by far-right forces. The official calls attempts to blame migrants for all societal problems "populist nonsense," emphasizing that such rhetoric is extremely dangerous.

Michael O'Flaherty suggests that part of the local residents' dissatisfaction arose against the backdrop of excessively generous support for Ukrainians at the beginning of the full-scale war. However, he insists that the situation can be corrected without evicting those who still need protection. This is particularly relevant in a year when Russia's attacks on civilians have reached maximum intensity since the start of the conflict.

Changes in EU legislation and examples from countries

Discussions are already underway in the European Union regarding the extension of the temporary protection regime after March 2027, however, Ukrainians may face significant changes. The Council of the EU is considering the possibility of introducing restrictions for men of mobilization age arriving in Europe for the first time. At the same time, the rules will not affect those who have already obtained protection status.

Specific examples of tightening policies are observed in individual countries:

  • Czech Republic: A discussion has arisen in the country about abolishing the temporary protection status. This is linked to local population dissatisfaction and political disputes about the role of refugees in the economy.
  • Poland: In some cities, Ukrainians have begun to be massively denied temporary protection status PESEL UKR. Instead, citizens are assigned NUE status, denoting an economic migrant, which does not provide for special benefits.

These precedents confirm the Council of Europe Commissioner's fears that European solidarity may be undermined if measures are not taken to protect the rights of refugees.