27.03.24
The Center for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) in Germany has published the results of a study on the differences in the experiences of Ukrainians in various European regions, conducted by Rating Lab in 2023. This unique research project covered over 2,000 Ukrainians in 31 European countries.
Тhe majority of Ukrainian refugees reported comfortable living conditions: 90% in Northern Europe, 85% in Western Europe, 84% in Eastern Europe, and 83% in Southern Europe
Let's focus on a few key points:
In all European regions, the majority of Ukrainian refugees reported comfortable living conditions: 90% in Northern Europe, 85% in Western Europe, 84% in Eastern Europe, and 83% in Southern Europe.
The majority of respondents in Western and Northern Europe (84%) consider the assistance from host countries to be sufficient.
Northern Europe stands out for the warmest attitudes both from Ukrainians towards the local population and vice versa. This warmth is reflected in the average attitude index in the region at 1.15 on a scale from -2 to 2. The least warmth was felt in Eastern Europe at a level of 0.4.
Interestingly, Ukrainians in Eastern Europe reported more cases of employment refusal: 44% of respondents in this region heard about such cases, compared to no more than a third of respondents in other regions.
The highest employment rate was recorded in Eastern and Southern Europe - 67% and 60% respectively. However, language proficiency is crucial for employment, as over 70% of those who were fluent in the local language were employed.
Comparing Ukraine and host countries, respondents believe that the latter offer better opportunities, especially in terms of income, social security, citizen rights and freedoms, comfortable living, and job prospects.
Respondents rated state online services in Ukraine much better than in other European countries.
The availability and quality of medical services in Ukraine are better than in other European countries.
Protection of citizens' rights and freedoms and social security is better in all European regions than in Ukraine, with the best being in Western and Northern Europe.
Thus, the experience of Ukrainian refugees in different European regions demonstrates both common problems and differences. Although overall living conditions were assessed as comfortable, income inequality and varying perceptions of assistance highlight regional differences.
You can read the full text at the link provided. This publication for ZOiS was prepared by Tetiana Skrypchenko, an expert from Rating Lab and a research fellow at the Ukrainian Research Network at ZOiS.