The protected status for Ukrainian refugees within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), encompassing Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, has been extended for another year, marking the fourth such extension. This decision, effective until March 4, 2027, allows Ukrainian refugees to reside, receive medical care, and access education for their children without needing to apply for asylum.

The Dutch cabinet has affirmed its support for the European Commission’s decision to prolong this protective status.

Across the EU and EEA member states, the average intake is approximately 9.5 Ukrainian refugees per thousand residents. Germany (1.2 million) and Poland (987,000) currently host nearly half of the 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees.

Initially, the majority of those fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion were women and children, as men aged 18 to 60 face mobilization restrictions preventing their departure. However, adult men now constitute 32 percent of the refugee population, while adult women comprise over 40 percent; minors account for more than a quarter of the total.

In the Netherlands, the number of Ukrainian refugees continues to rise by several hundred each week. Currently, almost 125,000 registered refugees are present, with 95,310 residing in emergency shelters. The National Government reports that these shelters are near capacity, with 95,530 beds available.