Ukrainian migrants in Europe: trends and facets of social integration

Abstract

The article examines trends and means of social integration of migrants from Ukraine who have been forced or voluntarily changed their place of residence and are now living in countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Taking into account the scale of contemporary Ukrainian migration and the socio-demographic profile of asylum seekers, data on Ukrainians' intentions to remain in their host countries are presented. The following areas of integration are considered: economic, educational, linguistic, social and psychological. In particular, attention is paid to access to the labour market, educational opportunities, retraining and learning the language of the host country. These factors contribute to the employment and consolidation of the social status of adults, the education of children and young people, as well as the overcoming of psychological barriers and the provision of psychological assistance, integration into local communities while maintaining ties within the Ukrainian diaspora. The role of EU member states' public policy towards migrants and the attitude of host communities are taken into account. The challenges faced by Ukrainian migrants and the obstacles to integration have been identified. These include language barriers, employment below the level of qualifications obtained, lack of affordable housing, bureaucratic obstacles to the recognition of documents, psychological stress and trauma related to the war. Ways to minimise these obstacles and create favourable conditions for the integration of Ukrainians who are unable to return to Ukraine are proposed. Emphasis is placed on the fact that long-term integration requires consistent institutional support, in particular through programmes to provide housing, access to medical services, employment support, the creation of favourable conditions for doing business, and the recognition of academic and professional qualifications.