ISSN 2674-8053

Ukrainian refugee flow

Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty Images

By Maria Cerdeira and Isabela Suzuki

Russia's invasion of Ukraine which began in 24 February 2022 represented a watershed in the history of international relations of the 21st century and globally impacted the different sectoral levels and the variety of actors from the ex-Soviet states to the European Union and the United States.. According to the UN, the number of refugees has passed the mark of 6 millions, being the worst case of refugees since the end of the Second World War. After nearly a quarter of the country's total civilian population was subjected to bombing and violence, most homeless people cross into the European Union through border points in countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Moldavia, Hungary and Romania.

The sketched scenarios point to a highly tense and potentially unstable geopolitical context on the European continent, could have serious implications for the international system.. What happens on the part of EU members are demonstrations against the conflict, so these are directed at Russia as a way to stop the invasion. Besides that, measures are being taken by the European Union to assist refugees.

According to UNHCR, the main destinations of refugees are: Poland, with 1.169.497 records of individuals with temporary protection (13 June 2022), Germany, with 780.000 (2 June 2022), Czech republic, with 373.965 records (14 June 2022), turkey com 145.000 (19 from May of 2022) and Italy with 145.000 individuals (07 June 2022). In this sense, considering the total number of refugees with protection in Europe being 3.759.976 (UNHCR), it is observed that Poland is responsible for housing approximately 31,1% of total non-continental refugees. UNHCR did not obtain protection data provided by the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian refugee records in Europe:

Source: UNHCR

Among some of the actions taken by EU members is the creation of the Care Cohesion Action for Refugees in Europe program. (Cohesion Action for Refugees in Europe) valid for one year, may be extended for more 6 or 12 months, allowing Ukrainians to enter Europe. This action aims to return resources to the construction of reception centers, field hospitals, schools and kindergartens, as well as language courses for refugees from Ukraine, seeking to bring them together in society and in the European labor market. This action directs available funds to EU countries hosting those fleeing Russian aggression.. Financial support was structured to help with the reception of refugees, in addition to granting macro-financial assistance to cover part of external financing needs. Worried about borders, the European Commission has issued new guidance to help EU countries effectively manage arrivals and assist border guards carrying out border controls with Ukraine.

they have committed to cut their carbon dioxide emissions by more than half by, Ursula von der Leyen, says it will take responsibility and ensure shelter and support until refugees can return home safely. In addition, pledged to do everything possible to facilitate Ukraine's entry into the EU, because according to her, “there is no doubt that these brave people who defend our values ​​with their lives belong to the European family”.

Lastly, the war affected economies around the world, making countries have to adapt. In this context, European Union members made efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees, who saw the block as a good destination due to territorial proximity. Besides that, the EU as a whole encourages and provides resources for member countries to ensure adequate protection for refugees from Ukraine.

References:

CAZARRÉ, Marieta.European Commission announces support program for Ukrainian refugees. Agency Brazil. 18 March 2022. Available in : https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/internacional/noticia/2022-03/comissao-europeia-anuncia-programa-de-apoio-refugiados-ucranianos#

AFRAID, Leila. RUSSIA AND UKRAINE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SAFETY,

INTERNATIONAL STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY. Magazine of the law course of the Catholic University of Brasilia.

Number of refugees fleeing war in Ukraine exceeds 6 million.G1. 12 from May of 2022. Available in :

https://g1.globo.com/mundo/ucrania-russia/noticia/2022/05/12/numero-de-refugiados-fugindo-da-guerra-na-ucrania-ultrapassa-6-milhoes.ghtml

The European Union's response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. European Parliament. Available in :

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/pt/headlines/world/20220324STO26151/a-resposta-da-ue-a-crise-de-refugiados-da-ucrania

Ukrainians belong to the European family, by Ursula Von Der Leyen. yahoo news. 3 March 2022. Available in : https://br.noticias.yahoo.com/ucranianos-pertencem-a-familia-europeia-diz-ursula-von-der-leyen-135536545.html

Operational Data Portal – Ukraine Refugee Situation. UNHCR. Available in: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine

Center for European Studies and Business
The European Studies and Business Center (NENE) is linked to the Brazilian Center for International Business Studies & Corporate Diplomacy (CBENI) from ESPM-SP. It was created considering the need to stimulate the Brazilian and Latin American academic community to better understand their relations with Europeans, seeking to understand and deepen the Brazil-European Union Strategic Partnership.