European protection of Ukrainians during the martial law: The experience of Poland

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to the need to find ways to improve the temporary protection of Ukrainians in Europe during the hostilities in Ukraine. The purpose of the work is to analyze the norms of European legislation on the protection of Ukrainians and identify directions of improvement. The following methods make a basis of methodological approach: analysis of statistical data; comparison method; graphic method; generalization method. It was identified the countries of Europe to which more people applied for protection during the war in Ukraine. Shortcomings in the Polish legislation on the organization of temporary protection were revealed; in particular, in terms of confirming the registration of the place of Ukrainians’ stay, which allows them to move within Europe. It was made an assessment of ensuring the rights to temporary protection for Ukrainians, in particular, the employment and residence, and the feasibility and benefits of changes in Polish legislation that provide for optimization of assistance for displaced persons. According to the Polish citizens’ results of assessment of the support level for Ukrainians, it has been revealed a tendency of decline of support due to an increase in the violation of rules of conduct by Ukrainians. Directions for improving the organization of temporary protection of Ukrainians in Poland are outlined, which consist in stimulating immigrants to learn the Polish language and get a more qualified job. It is proposed to strengthen the Polish authorities’ control over the receipt of social assistance by displaced persons, to prevent the misuse of such assistance and to direct it to the necessary needs for health, education and full life of people under temporary protection in Europe. The results and conclusions are of practical importance for the authorities in the EU countries when improving the policy of temporary protection of migrants and the heads of migration and social services – when assigning social benefits