The Czech Republic, which has taken in the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in the European Union, is preparing for discussions about the future of temporary protection for those displaced by the war. The current protection is set to expire in March 2027, prompting a need to address its structure beyond that date, officials said.
The move comes as the country’s capacity to support refugees nears its limits. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of the Interior, more than 401,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in the Czech Republic, with approximately 6,000 more arriving each month.
Discussions are underway regarding potential adjustments to the temporary protection program, including geographical limitations and restrictions based on age and gender. Some officials have suggested excluding the western regions of Ukraine, considered relatively safe, from the program.
Another proposed change involves limiting protection to exclude men of working age, aligning with Ukraine’s desire for its citizens to remain or return to aid in the country’s reconstruction. Ukraine also has a need for young men for potential military conscription.
„Zatím diskutujeme“
While the Czech Republic is prepared to initiate these conversations, it lacks the authority to independently alter the conditions of the temporary protection. “Temporary protection is based on European legislation, which we do not amend at the national level,” said Minister Metnar. He added that he informed the German Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, during a meeting in Berlin in late February about the need to open a debate on revising the temporary protection framework.
According to officials, the primary focus of the discussion should be among countries bearing the heaviest burden of accepting refugees. “We do not yet have a clear proposal on which path to grab,” Metnar said.
Data from Eurostat, cited in the Czech quarterly report on the state of migration, shows the Czech Republic leads the EU with 35.99 Ukrainian refugees per thousand inhabitants. Poland follows with 26.54, and Slovakia with 25.66.
In comparison, Germany has 14.85 Ukrainian refugees per thousand residents, while France has the fewest, with a rate of 0.77. Cyprus, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, also reports a significant proportion, at 25.55.
“The current Cypriot presidency plans to open a general debate on the future of temporary protection at the European Union level in the near future,” said spokesperson Krátoška. The Czech Republic must carefully balance its foreign policy with its own economic situation, as employers have repeatedly emphasized that the departure of Ukrainian workers could harm the domestic economy.
There are currently over 612,000 Ukrainians in the Czech Republic, including both refugees and individuals who arrived before the Russian aggression.
