MIGRATION CHALLENGES AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EU COUNTRIES AND UKRAINE AMID THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2667.2026/228-1/6Keywords:
migration processes, ukrainian migrants, internal displacement, labor migration, European Union, socio-economic impactAbstract
B a c k g r o u n d . This article is part of the project No. 101132435 – SKILLS4JUSTICE Topic: HORIZON-CL2-2023-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-03 and presents a comprehensive analysis of current migration processes in Ukraine and the multifaceted challenges they pose for the European Union. Since 2014, and especially following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has experienced one of the largest migration waves in Europe since World War II. The study highlights the socio-economic, educational, and political aspects of these migration flows, considering both internal displacement and international migration trends. The research examines the composition, motivations, and regional distribution of Ukrainian migrants in EU member states, emphasizing variations in labor migration, forced displacement, and student mobility. Special attention is given to the gender, age, and professional characteristics of migrants, as well as structural challenges they face, such as access to education, language barriers, labor market integration, and social inclusion.
M e t h o d s . The study employs a combination of statistical analysis, policy review, and thematic case studies across selected EU countries to provide an evidence-based perspective on migration dynamics and policy responses.
R e s u l t s . The article examines the consequences of migration dynamics for the EU, including demographic pressures, labor shortages in certain sectors, strain on public services, and the need to adapt national and EU-wide migration policies. It analyzes how host countries address the integration of Ukrainian refugees and labor migrants, assessing the preparedness of education systems, labor markets, and social infrastructure to cope with a sustained influx. The paper evaluates the Ukrainian government's strategies for migration management and its cooperation frameworks with European institutions. It discusses potential long-term impacts of migration on Ukraine's human capital, including brain drain and the loss of skilled labor, alongside opportunities for circular migration and diaspora engagement.
C o n c l u s i o n s . Based on the findings, the article offers data-driven recommendations aimed at building more coherent, inclusive, and sustainable migration policies. These results are intended to support the formulation of informed policies in both Ukraine and the EU, within the broader context of regional stability, educational development, and socio-economic resilience.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Сергій МЕЛЬНИК, канд. екон. наук, доц., Ганна ТЕРЕЩЕНКО, канд. екон. наук, ст. наук. співроб., Андрій ЛИТВИНЧУК, канд. екон. наук, ст. наук. співроб., Відмантас ТУТЛІС, наук. співроб., Сігітас ДАУКІЛАС, наук. співроб.
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