FEMALE FORCED MIGRANTS FROM UKRAINE IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: A NEW REALITY A study of the situation of women who had to leave Ukraine after 24 February 2022 to relocate to other European countries ANALYTICAL REPORT 1

ISBN 978-617-7574-76-6 Female forced migrants from Ukraine in European countries: a new reality. A study of the situation of women who left Ukraine after 24 February 2022 to relocate to other European countries: analytical report. Authors: O. Gladunov, O. Davlikanova, N. Bohdanets, O. Yashkina/ General ed. O. Davlikanova. Kyiv: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Ukraine, 2022. 120 p. The report provides the results of a study of the situation of female forced migrants who had to leave Ukraine after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022 to seek refuge in European countries. The data were collected via questionnaire, express interviews and desk research of open sources. The opinions expressed by forced migrants and representatives of host countries are their personal views and may not reflect the official position of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or the organizations for which the authors of this report work. This study has been prepared for government officials and non-governmental organizations working with forced migrants from Ukraine, and all other interested persons. © Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Ukraine, 2022 ISBN 978-617-7574-76-6

CONTENTS Introduction..........................................................................................................................................8 Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................10 Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................11 Summary...........................................................................................................................................12 Methodology.....................................................................................................................................16 Chapter 1. Cabinet study. Measures taken by European countries to provide protection and assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine who left its territory after 24 February 2022...................................................................................................................21 Chapter 2. Results of quantitative and qualitative research. Views and experiences of forcibly displaced women and hosts in the context of measures taken by European countries to tackle the migration crisis caused by the war......................................................................33 Demographic analysis of the sample..........................................................................................34 Age structure of the sample...........................................................................................................36 Assessment of the number of households of forced migrant women..................................36 Legal status of female respondents in the country of residence at the time of the survey......................................................................................................................................37 Motives and Intentions..................................................................................................................38 Main personal motive for leaving Ukraine....................................................................................38 Reasons for choosing a particular host country.........................................................................39 Potential relocation to another host country...............................................................................41 Plans of forced migrant women to return to Ukraine.................................................................41 Travelling from Ukrainian border to a place of residence in the host country..................43 Opportunities taken by forced migrant women during travel from the Ukrainian border to the host country...............................................................................................................43 Problems faced by forced migrant women moving to their place of temporary stay.............44

Issues related to children living with forced migrant women..............................................46 The number of forced migrant women who reside with children in host countries............46 Issues related to childcare..............................................................................................................46 Issues related to the care of people with disabilities, serious health conditions or the elderly......................................................................................................................................54 Issues related to accommodation for forced migrant women............................................57 Searching for housing in the host country..................................................................................57 Characteristics of the housing in which displaced women are staying.................................58 Conditions of stay............................................................................................................................59 Conditions of housing use..............................................................................................................60 The most significant problems related to housing.....................................................................62 Financial situation of forced migrant women and meeting basic needs...........................74 Financial aid received by forced migrants in host countries...................................................74 Respondents’ assessment of their financial situation..............................................................75 Analysis of social services made available to forced migrant Ukrainian women............77 Scope of information about available social services................................................................77 Problems with access to information in the host country........................................................78 Experience of using medical care(services) in the host country............................................84 Problems related to medical care..................................................................................................84 Satisfaction of cultural needs.........................................................................................................87 Problems related to keeping pets...................................................................................................88 Employment of displaced persons and work-related issues................................................90 Employment of forced migrant women in countries of temporary stay................................90 Forms of employment......................................................................................................................94 Correspondence of work to qualification level............................................................................95 Social package offered by employers...........................................................................................95 4

Knowledge of foreign languages..................................................................................................97 Issues of security, combating human trafficking and gender-based violence.................99 Description of situations that threaten the personal safety of forced migrant women.................................................................................................................................................99 Human trafficking and gender-based violence......................................................................... 101 Experiences of interaction with state and non-profit organizations and officials in European countries................................................................................................................... 103 Interaction of forced migrants from Ukraine with officials (state and municipal employees)................................................................................................ 103 Interaction with NGOs.................................................................................................................. 108 Conclusions and recommendations........................................................................................ 115 5

7 Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/

INTRODUCTION The Russian Federation’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022, dramatically changed the political and socio-economic situation in Ukraine, Europe and the world. Almost every geopolitical region has felt the consequences of Russian aggression: the European and global security system has been affected, a number of countries in Asia and Africa have faced the threat of famine and environmental issues have been exacerbated. The war has resulted in tens of thousands of people being wounded, injured or killed; the large-scale destruction of settlements; and has caused pain and suffering to a large part of the civilian population of Ukraine, including women, children and the elderly. Another challenge is a massive wave of forced migrants, the total number of which, including both refugees and internally displaced persons, according to various estimates, is more than 12 million people. 1 As of 16 June 2022, 3,407,378 people 2 who had left Ukraine were registered as temporary protected persons or listed in similar national protection programmes in Europe. The scale of forced migration is more accurately illustrated by the number of crossings of Ukraine’s borders with European countries. In the period from 24 February to 16 June, 7.7 million departures from Ukraine and more than 2.5 million returns to Ukraine were recorded. 3 These numbers show border crossings, not individuals. Still, they illustrate the scale of the humanitarian challenge that the countries of Europe have faced. It is worth noting that the leadership of European countries bordering Ukraine anticipated a possible influx of refugees and took certain preparatory measures. In particular, even before the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Poland and Romania prepared basic reception centres with accommodation capacity for a million people each, while Hungary created centres for 600,000 people and Slovakia for 50,000. 4 However, the scale of the migration crisis has significantly exceeded expectations, and the unprecedented efforts of European countries to provide systematic and comprehensive assistance to millions of Ukrainians are impressive and have earned the deep gratitude of the Ukrainian people. It is important to note that assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine is characterized by a combination of targeted state policies and professional actions by the authorities, the selfless work of charitable non-governmental organizations and volunteers, and the warm welcome of private individuals, ordinary citizens sincerely concerned about the situation in Ukraine. From an economic point of view, EU assistance to forced migrants entails the allocation of significant funds both from national budgets and from the budget of the European Union. In particular, the European Parliament passed a resolution on the additional allocation of 3.4 billion euros to help face the challenges arising in relation to forced migrants. 5 In the political context, this aid expresses the firm course taken by European countries regarding support 1 Speech of President of Ukraine V. Zelensky, 23.06.2022; available at: https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-uarazom/3513523-ponad-12-miljoniv-ukrainciv-stali-vimusenimi-pereselencami-zelenskij.html 2 UNHCR’s Operation Data Portal; available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 3 UNHCR’s Operation Data Portal; available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 4 Hugo Brady, Senior Strategic Advisor for ICMPD(International Centre for Migration Policy Development), Expert Voice. Europe’s Ukrainian refugee crisis: What we know so far; available at: https://www.pragueprocess.eu/images/ICMPD-Expert-Voice-Hugo-Brady-UKR.pdf 5 Deutsche Welle, 7 April 2022; available at: https://www.dw.com/ru/evrosojuz-vydelit-34-mlrd-evro-na-priem-bezhencev-iz-ukrainy/a-61398775 8

for Ukraine in its struggle to assert not only its own independence, sovereignty and further integration into the European community, but also the democratic values o​​ f the Western world. For millions of Ukrainian men and women, this aid is, first of all, protection in the new reality from the horrors of war, which appeared before them as a result of the aggression and war crimes of the Russian Federation. It is important to note that the vast majority of Ukrainian refugees are women – according to various estimates, between 83 and 93 per cent « of the total. 6 The burden of all worries and problems related to the transfer of children, the elderly and the disabled from the frontline areas and occupied territories of Ukraine to safe European cities, as well as financial and psychological support of their family members have fallen on the shoulders of these women. That is why this study was envisaged to investigate their A s of 16 June 2022, 3,407,378 people who had left Ukraine were registered as temporary protected persons or listed in similar national protection programmes in real situation from a number of angles. Europe. The scale of forced migration As European analysts note,‘The duration of the refugee crisis is a key question. If is more accurately illustrated by the number of crossings of Ukraine’s borders rapid return to Ukraine is possible, this has implications for the allocation of major EU resources to help rebuild the country, rather than support front-line EU states in integrating long-term refugees. In any case, the economic damage caused by the war with European countries. In the period from 24 February to 16 June, 7.7 million departures from Ukraine and more than 2.5 million returns to Ukraine were recorded. These numbers show border will take at least a decade to undo, keeping outward migration high as in recent years.’ 7 crossings, not individuals. Still, they illustrate the scale of the humanitarian Therefore, the main goal of this study is challenge that the countries of Europe to analyse the real situation of displaced Ukrainian migrants, given that the problems have faced of migration from Ukraine will remain relevant for a long time. The organization of assistance to migrants on such a scale and in a short period of time has led to the emergence of a number of problems, partly predictable, partly unexpected. Identifying these problems aims, first of all, to find ways to solve them. Despite a number of critical remarks formulated on the basis of the survey, the strongest impression of all respondents regarding their reception in the EU is, above all, gratitude, deep respect and admiration for the coordinated efforts of Europeans who have sincerely extended a helping hand to people hurt by the war in their time of need. « 6 Ukrainian Refugees in Europe; available at: https://4service.group 7 Hugo Brady, Senior Strategic Advisor for ICMPD(International Centre for Migration Policy Development), Expert Voice. Europe’s Ukrainian refugee crisis: What we know so far; available at: https://www.pragueprocess.eu/images/ICMPD-Expert-Voice-Hugo-Brady-UKR.pdf 9

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to express our gratitude to the interviewers, who worked as a team in different European countries: Anastasia Babenko, Olena Birun, Aliona Borovskaya, Olena Buchynska, Oksana Horova, Karina Gurdzhiyan, Lesya Demchenko, Olena Duz, Kateryna Emelyanova, Yulia Zhurba, Natalia Zaloznaya, Natalia Kalinichenko, Natalia Kovtun, Alena Kondratenko, Irina Konovalova, Irina Kopylets, Tatiana Kopika, Ksenia Korolchuk, Kateryna Kuzhel, Olga Kurylenko, Anna Lanovenko, Evgenia Pryhozhiya, Arina Rudenko, Natalia Semenova, Elena Tsarova, Vita Shishkina, and Galina Yakuba. We would also like to thank the representatives of the host countries who have provided comprehensive help to forced migrants from Ukraine and participated in our research: Marija Wazi, the Vice President of Narana z.s.; Katalin Holis, Ukrainian Initiatives of South Moravia, KACPU volunteer(Czech Republic); Gaëlle Gormley, the President of ACT FOR REF(France); Stefan Leonescu, an Advocacy officer and projects coordinator of Jesuit Refugee Service Romania(Romania); Marie Claire Rouffart, Board Member of VZW Sint-Vincentius HeusdenZolder(Belgium); and Lyudmyla Katamay, Red Cross volunteer(Spain); and to everyone else: leaders of various organizations, volunteers, employees of local self-government bodies in the host countries and ordinary citizens who, without expecting anything in return, have extended a helping hand to Ukrainians in a difficult time. 10

ABBREVIATIONS CFR Călători — the state railway carrier of Romania responsible for passenger services EC — European Commission ESOMAR — European Society of Marketing Research Professionals EU — European Union FDPs — Forcibly displaced persons FDW — Forcibly displaced women KACPU — Seznam Krajských asistenčních center pomoci Ukrajině, Regional Centre for Help and Assistance to Ukraine in Czech Republic MRI — magnetic resonance imaging ÖBB — Österreichische Bundesbahnen, Austrian Federal Railways PESEL — Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności(universal electronic population register system in Poland) REACT-EU — Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe SEO — Search Engine Optimization SIP — Spanish Healthcare System SNCF — Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français, French National Railway UNHCR — UN Refugee Agency USAID — United States Agency for International Development VZW — Vereniging zonder winstoogmerk, NGO in Dutch ZSSK — Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko, Slovakian Railways 11

SUMMARY The purpose of the study, carried out at the initiative of the FriedrichEbert-Stiftung Office in Ukraine, is to identify the main problems and needs of displaced female migrants from Ukraine in European countries, as well as to formulate recommendations for solving these problems. To achieve this, we surveyed 1,023 women over the age of 18, who were living permanently in Ukraine and left the country after the beginning of the full-scale invasion launched by the Russian on 24 February 2022, and relocated to a European country(with the exception of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia and the Russian Federation). In addition, express interviews were conducted with experts, volunteers and other people with experience of interaction with displaced female migrants from Ukraine. In total, Ukrainian women and local residents of 290 settlements in 27 European countries were involved in the study. The statistical sampling error is 3.1 per cent(with a confidence probability of 95 per cent, excluding the design effect). The field stage of the study was conducted from 3 May to 11 June 2022. Figure 1. Profiles of female forced migrants in the sample(%) Women’s age: 9.3% 8.8% 3.3% 78.6% Family status: Lives by herself 36.8% Lives together with other family members 23.9% Lives together with husband 9.8% Lives together with another family member 19.1% Other 10.4% Women with children 38.6% 1 child 26.5% 2 children 8.1% 3 or more children Women taking care of the disabled, people with serious health conditions or the elderly: 8.8% Women with disabilities or serious health conditions: 3.8% 12

Legal status in the country of temporary stay 0.3% 7.7% 0.8% Plans regarding length of stay in European countries and return to Ukraine Plans to return to Ukraine in the near future Plans to return to Ukraine after the end of hostilities Will stay in Europe until expiry of the temporary stay permit or as long as visa-free conditions apply Want to stay in their current location or move to another country It is hard to tell 18% 5% 17.9% 10.5% 48.6% 91.2% Received a temporary residence permit, plans to do so or waiting for a permit Plans to apply for refugee status in the host country Submitted an application for a visa to another country Other Key problems of female forced migrants and proposals regarding solutions A serious problem for forcibly displaced women is excessively high(for them) rent. Only 16.7 per cent of respondents noted that they rented housing at their own expense. All others were using housing in the host countries for free: either it is provided to them by local residents, or by state bodies and charitable organizations, or by relatives/friends/acquaintances. Often landlords are reluctant to rent housing to Ukrainian women with children for a short period of time. Obligatory pre-payment may amount to up to five monthly rents. The housing issue may be solved if forcibly displaced women are able to ensure a stable income through employment, self-employment or starting their own business. At the present time, government bodies and charitable organizations in European countries remain key providers of free or affordable social housing. Private individuals also help by providing housing to migrants from Ukraine. The search for housing solutions for Ukrainian immigrants should be part of the long-term strategy to overcome the existing housing shortage in most host countries. 13

15.7 per cent of forcibly displaced women have a job, and 8.7 per cent of total respondents are officially employed. Another 43.4 per cent are looking for a job. Knowledge of the language of the host country is a prerequisite for successful integration in the European labour market. That is why the efforts directed towards developing a network of language courses will have a delayed but tangible effect. In the short term, it is advisable to create conditions in which forcibly displaced women could solve their own problems and satisfy their own needs or those of their fellows. The examples of France and Italy demonstrate that simplifying the qualification recognition procedure for medical workers from Ukraine provides employment opportunities, on one hand, and releases pressure on national health-care systems, on the other. In addition, many resettled women complain about the language barrier, which prevents them from properly accessing quality medical care. Involving doctors from Ukraine would help solve this problem. Employment of Ukrainians in kindergartens for children from Ukraine would enable women to ensure good care for their children and create new jobs for refugees and temporarily protected persons. According to the results of the study, most Ukrainians need psychological help. These services may also be provided by psychologists from among the forcibly displaced persons, especially with regard to the language barrier. It is important to provide opportunities for people to enhance their qualifications and retraining, as well as access to professional education. ? Hello! A significant obstacle to getting a job, housing and access to various social services for forcibly displaced women is the language barrier. Some 87.1 per cent of them don't know the languages of the host country, and 42.3 per cent do not know any languages of the host countries. Expanding the network of language courses and ensuring their accessibility (physical and financial) for the vast majority of resettled women. Involvement of Ukrainians as teachers of foreign languages for forcibly displaced persons. Orientation of language courses and methods towards the development of communication skills. On average, 29.4 per cent of forcibly displaced women do not receive enough information about available(social) services. Issuing grants for non-profit organizations from Ukraine and other European countries to enhance the effectiveness of resources including official documents and other useful information for Ukrainians may contribute to awareness raising. Facilitation of joint projects by European and Ukrainian non-profit organizations to create and develop internet, radio, TV and other media projects for migrants on modern digital platforms and resources may also be useful. 14

The number of complaints by female respondents about offenses committed against them is the equivalent of more than 70 complaints per 1,000 people per year. It is important to ensure that law enforcement agencies focus their attention on where migrants are concentrated and systematically implement measures to protect them. It is advisable to conduct training for volunteers and workers at migrant centres in order to enhance their ability to identify potential safety risks to forcibly displaced persons, especially women and girls, including human trafficking or other forms of exploitation. It is vital to effectively implement protocols that protect forcibly displaced persons at reception points and their places of residence, including comprehensive post-rape care that includes timely prescription and provision of drugs to prevent pregnancy or HIV, as well as other medical and psychological support. Ukrainian non-profit organizations specializing in protection of citizens’ rights and safety may be of particular help if involved in cooperation with local authorities and the police, the organization of online counselling and provision of free legal aid for Ukrainians fleeing the war. 13 per cent of respondents could not receive full medical assistance, while another 2.8 per cent have no access to it. The majority of respondents' complaints are related primarily to differences between EU health-care systems and that of Ukraine. In particular, waiting for an appointment takes longer than in Ukraine(sometimes it takes several months), lists of prescription drugs are more comprehensive and they cost a lot more. There may also be a language barrier. Permitting Ukrainian doctors to practice may help to overcome the language barrier and ensure Ukrainian migrants’ access to quality services. 31 per cent of respondents have problems related to childcare. First of all there are not enough places for their children in kindergartens, schools, sports and after-class activities, as well as a lack of funds for such services, if they are not free. Grants for non-profit organizations for provision of social services such as childcare, funding for additional places/groups in kindergartens, summer camps, sports and after-class activities for Ukrainian children may help the situation. It is advisable to involve workers/volunteers from among forcibly displaced women. It is advisable to organize special training for teachers and school principals on the special problems of working with children who have experienced traumatic events. 15

METHODOLOGY The study was carried out on at the initiative of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Ukraine. Its purpose is to determine the current issues and needs of female forced migrants from Ukraine who are being hosted by European countries; to discover the main problems they face, and their views of their current situation and challenges arising in the host communities; as well as to develop recommendations with a view to improving the effectiveness of efforts to handle humanitarian issues arising in connection with the mass departure of Ukrainian women to European countries. Within the framework of conducting a survey and express interviews for qualitative study: – personal motives and factors that influenced their choice of host country were studied, as well as their plans for the duration of their stay in Europe and return to Ukraine; – the scope of problems and level of satisfaction of the basic needs of forced migrant women(housing, food, security, medical care) were identified; – obstacles and barriers arising in employment and in relations with employers were studied, as well as the language barrier and access to information; – issues with childcare, care for the elderly or the disabled were discussed; and – interactions with representatives of local authorities, charitable organizations and so on were looked into. The target group is women over the age of 18 who were permanently living in Ukraine, but who left the country after the beginning of the Russian army’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, and were in a European country(except Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, the Russian Federation) during the course of the study. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as of 16 June 2022, the total number of citizens of Ukraine who crossed the border and are in European countries(except for those mentioned in the previous paragraph) is about 3.727 million. 8 Of course this number is constantly changing. According to various estimates, between 83 and 93 per cent of the total are women and children. 9 Taking into account the fact that children make up about half of all forced migrants, 10 it is possible to estimate the size of the general sample of the study(women aged 18+ who left Ukraine after 24 February 2022) within 1.5 million people. The study included desk research, a quantitative study in the form of interviews(online or live) and a qualitative study in the form of express interviews of forced migrants from Ukraine and representatives of host countries, including employees of local state and non-state organizations, volunteers and other people who interact with displaced women and help them to solve urgent problems. All stages of the research, including recruitment and training of interviewers, development of research tools, and quality control of the interviewers’ work, were carried out in accordance with the standards, codes and guidelines of ESOMAR(European Society of Marketing Research Professionals) 11 and of the Ukrainian Marketing Association. 12 8 UNHCR Data Portal; available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 9 Ukraine.europarl.europa.eu Portal. EU response to the migration crisis; available at: http://surl.li/cpcls 10 Plan International Portal; available at: https://plan-international.org/news/2022/06/09/how-polish-schools-are-welcoming-refugee-children-from-ukraine/ 11 ESOMAR Codes; available at: https://esomar.org/codes-and-guidelines 12 UAM Standards; available at: http://www.uam.in.ua/ukr/standarts/ 16

The field stage of the study was conducted from 3 May to 11 June 2022. The statistical sampling error is 3.1 per cent(with a confidence probability of 95 per cent, excluding the design effect). Study sample: 1,023 female respondents who left Ukraine as a result of the start of hostilities since 24 February 2022 to 290 cities, towns and villages in 27 EU and other European countries took part in the study(Table 1). As there is no data available to outline a general sample of forcefully displaced Ukrainians with regard to such characteristics as age, level of education, region of origin in Ukraine etc, random sampling was applied for qualitative and quantitative research. For the same reason, random sampling was also used for qualitative research among European organizations and individuals providing aid. Figure 2. Map of respondents' temporary stay countries Number of settlements covered by the study: 1-20 settlements 21- 40 settlements > 41 settlements Sweden Finland Estonia Ireland United Kingdom Denmark Latvia Lithuania Netherlands Poland Belgium Germany Czech Rep. Slovakia Austria Switzerland Hungary Moldova France Slovenia Croatia Romania Spain Portugal Italy Bulgaria Cyprus 17

Table 1. Countries and number of settlements where the study was conducted № Country 1 Austria 2 Belgium 3 Bulgaria 4 Czech Republic 5 Croatia Number of settlements 7 7 2 11 3 6 Cyprus 1 7 Denmark 3 8 Estonia 5 9 Finland 7 10 France 7 11 Germany 43 12 United Kingdom 8 13 Hungary 7 14 Ireland 2 15 Italy 24 16 Latvia 1 17 Lithuania 3 18 Moldova 1 19 Netherlands 7 20 Poland 66 21 Portugal 5 22 Romania 7 23 Slovakia 32 24 Slovenia 1 25 Spain 12 26 Switzerland 8 27 Sweden 9 Total 290 18

Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Spain, Italy and Bulgaria were the countries in which the largest number of female respondents took part in the survey. In general, the structure of the sample corresponds to the structure of the general sample, that is, the places of residence of the majority of interviewed respondents are those countries where, starting from 24 February 2022, the migration services recorded the stay of the majority of Ukrainian women. Figure 3. Methodology related numbers and sampling 1.5 million The general sample 27 European countries 290 Сities, towns and villages The interviewers include 33 Ukrainian women, from among the forced migrant women Survey sample 1023 female respondents Express interviews: 7 9 respondents 19

CHAPTER 1. 20

Cabinet study. Measures taken by European countries to provide protection and assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine who left its territory after 24 February 2022 21

CHAPTER 1. CABINET STUDY. MEASURES TAKEN BY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE TO FORCED MIGRANTS FROM UKRAINE WHO LEFT ITS TERRITORY AFTER 24 FEBRUARY 2022 According to the data of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR), as of 16 June 2022, the total number of forcibly displaced people from Ukraine across Europe is 5,137,933 people, of whom over 1.23 million are in the Russian Federation(including those who were forcibly displaced from the territory of Ukraine). A small number of displaced persons are also found in other CIS countries. 13 Quantitative indicators of the distribution of forced migrant women from Ukraine in European countries as of 16 6, 2022, according to UNHCR data, are shown in Table 2. Table 2. Number of forced migrants from Ukraine and persons registered under temporary protection programmes 14 Country Poland Refugees from Ukraine recorded across Europe 1169497 Refugees from Ukraine registered for temporary protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe 1169497 Germany 780000 641392 Czech Republic 373965 373823 Italy 129623 97314 Spain 119820 119742 Romania 90297 37832 France 87972 87972 Moldova 85497 – Bulgaria 79196 114877 Slovakia 78302 78113 Austria 71422 71831 United Kingdom 70500 70500 Netherlands 64480 64480 Lithuania 56223 46547 Switzerland 55921 55921 Belgium 47477 46852 13 UNHCR Data Portal; available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 14 Source: UNHCR data as of 16 June 2022. 22

Country Estonia Portugal Sweden Ireland Latvia Denmark Finland Hungary Norway Greece Croatia Cyprus Montenegro Serbia and Kosovo Slovenia Luxembourg Albania North Macedonia Iceland Malta Bosnia and Herzegovina Liechtenstein Total Refugees from Ukraine recorded across Europe 42257 42246 39769 35675 31561 30286 26629 24452 18511 14887 14259 13000 8366 7704 7097 5245 1528 1213 997 994 326 221 3,727,415 Refugees from Ukraine registered for temporary protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe 27489 42151 38046 36911 26798 28290 26753 24452 18511 14887 14258 13049 3979 749 7097 5245 – – 877 922 – 221 3,407,378 23

Figure 4. Countries that have registered more than 70,000 migrants from Ukraine under the status of temporary protection Poland 1,169,500 Czech Republic 373,820 Spain 119,740 Bulgaria 114,900 Germany 641,390 Poland Germany Czech Republic Spain Bulgaria Italy France Slovakia Austia United Kingdom Italy 97,310 France 87,970 Slovakia 78,110 Austria 71,830 United Kingdom 70,500 On 4 March 2022, the EU adopted the Temporary Protection Directive 15 to ensure rapid and effective assistance for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. According to the Directive, Ukrainians fleeing the war will receive temporary protection on the territory of the EU: they will be able to live, study, work and receive medical assistance for a certain period of time. Temporary protection is already in effect and will be applied to Ukrainian refugees during the year. Protection can be extended for up to three years if the situation in Ukraine does not improve enough for people to return home. Foreigners and stateless persons who legally reside in Ukraine and cannot return to their country, as well as their family members, will also receive protection in the EU. All others will be allowed to transit the EU to return to their own countries. In addition, the EU simplified border control for refugees, the conditions for transporting personal belongings and pets, provided flexible entry conditions, access to rescue services and humanitarian aid, and opened temporary border crossing points. 16 Each of the European countries involved, on the basis of common European principles, has adopted its own system of assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine, with their unique characteristics. It is worth noting that some assistance programmes for forced migrants from Ukraine are being adjusted and changed. This can be explained, in our opinion, by the need to optimize assistance and differentiate it with respect to specific social groups. The description of national aid systems in European countries with the largest number of immigrants from Ukraine(more than 70,000) is given below. 17 15 Council Implementing Decision(EU) 2022/382 establishing the presence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC and introducing temporary protection, 4 March 2022; available at: https://ips.ligazakon.net/document/EN220808 16 How does the EU help Ukrainian refugees?; available at: https://euneighbourseast.eu/uk/news-and-stories/explainers/yak-yes-pidtrymuye-ukrayinu-vidsankczij-do-vijskovoyi-ta-gumanitarnoyi-dopomogy/ 17 Sources: konsulat-ukrainy.pl czechia.mfa.gov.ua cear.es visitukraine.today sncf.com ua.interfax.com.ua ukrinform.ua lb.ua yavp.pl zn.ua espreso.tv mind. ua ye.ua radiosvoboda.org tsn.ua fakty.com.ua gov.uk facebook.com/PolskiCzerwonyKrzyz 24

Table 3. Review of the national aid systems in European countries Poland + Temporary residence permit for up to three years + Simplified procedure for obtaining an identification code(PESEL) + Centres providing temporary accommodation, with hot meals, basic medical care + Assistance in finding housing + PLN 300 per adult(one-off payment) + Free medical care: treatment and consultations in public health care facilities + Social assistance(payments) for children under the age of 18 under the national programme ‘Family 500+’ + PLN 135 per month as an additional payment for persons under 24 years of age with disabilities + Free and discounted services for opening bank accounts, legal advice, mobile communication, and so on + Open access to the labour market Payments to households hosting Ukrainians(cancelled as of 1 July 2022) Free travel on public transport(cancelled from 1 June 2022) + Extension of benefits for persons with disabilities, pregnant women and those with a large number of children from 1 July 2022 + Issuance of foreign passports for children under 12 years of age at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Wroclaw from 1 July 2022 + PLN 300 per child(one-off payment) as part of the government programme‘Good Start’ – for all students starting the school year from 1 September 2022 Germany + Temporary residence permit for up to three years + First aid stations for Ukrainians at central railway stations + Free temporary housing(hotel) for newly arrived Ukrainians + 449 euros per month of social assistance per adult registered at the employment centre, from 1 June 2022 + 219 euros per child under 18 or under 21, depending on the family’s circumstances, from 1 June 2022 + Free medical assistance: medicines, services of a psychologist, a dentist + Free access to cultural and sports services(museums, theatre performances, some fitness centres, swimming pools) + Free school, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees at all public educational institutions + Open access to the labour market Free public transport – cancelled from 1 June 2022 + Discount tickets for public transport for 9 euros per month(except for long-distance trains), from 1 June 2022 to 30 August 2022 25

Czech Republic + Temporary residence permit for up to three years + Free temporary housing + Open access to the labour market + Medical insurance is covered by the country of residence: appeal to municipal hospitals + Free medical care: from general practitioners for Ukrainians who need urgent treatment but do not yet have insurance; UA points at all clinical hospitals in the Czech Republic provide emergency medical care for adults, children and adolescents + Free psychological support from the National Institute of Mental Health, without prior appointment + Free legal support + Free school and kindergarten The centre for processing documents for temporary protection in Prague has been closed since 16 June 2022 5,000 koruna of assistance will be cancelled for forced migrants resettled in social housing, provided with free meals and hygiene products, from July 2022 The term of free health insurance has been reduced from 1 year to 150 days + Free public transport within 5 days from the date of issuing a temporary residence visa from 1 June 2022 + Information centres issue discount tickets for public transport + 4,620 koruna per adult – continuation of payments after six months of temporary protection status in the amount of the subsistence minimum, in accordance with amendments to the Ukrainian law, from 1 July 2022 + 3,320 koruna per child – continuation of payments after six months of temporary protection status in the amount of the subsistence minimum, in accordance with the amendments to the Ukraine law, from 1 July 2022 + Continuation of admission of forced migrants from Ukraine after 30 June 2022(after the end of the state of emergency related to the wave of refugees from Ukraine) + Payment of annual health insurance for children under 18, pensioners, people with disabilities + An unconditional payment of 500 koruna was left for all new arrivals with a temporary assistance visa, for five months, on condition of confirming a lack of work and property in the country Spain + Residence permit for one year, which can be extended for another two years + Access to the labour market both under contract and as an individual entrepreneur + The right to education, vocational training + Provision of housing(hotel) and multiple meals + The right to receive medical assistance + There are no social assistance payments + The state provides food(cereals, pasta, canned goods) if a displaced person finds housing on their own, once a month 26

Italy + Temporary residence permit for up to three years + Free access to the labour market + The right to study in schools and kindergartens for children + Free medicine under the national health care programme: visits to general and specialist doctors, prescriptions for drugs, treatment of acute and chronic diseases + 300 euros per adult per month, for three months, if housing is found independently + 150 euros per child per month, for three months, if housing is found independently + Free travel on Trenitalia trains within five days of entry into the country to any destination + Free return to Ukraine from Italy: air and bus, bookings are valid for flights from Turin, from July 2022 + The Italian government has increased financial aid for displaced people from Ukraine to more than 800 million euros and will support the budget of Ukraine in the amount of up to 200 million euros France + A residence permit for six months with the possibility of extension, up to three years + Access to free health care: GP consultation, free prescription drugs and more + 14.20 euros per day for an adult, if you find housing yourself(sliding scale based on number of people in family) + 6.80 euros per day for an adult if social housing is provided + 6.80 euros allowance per child(sliding scale based on number of people in family) + Free education for minors + Open access to the labour market + Assistance in obtaining social housing(enrolment in the queue, further resettlement) Free public transport(tram, metro, trolleybus, bus) on condition of obtaining a travel ticket in advance (already canceled) + Free SNCF rail travel – cancelled from May 2022 + One free trip by SNCF railway in a 2nd class carriage on national and long-distance trains, on first arrival in France, and second free trip to return to Ukraine, from May 2022 + Introduction of special conditions for accepting medical diplomas from Ukraine, according to which medical workers are allowed to work in France without special accreditation until the end of 2022 27

Bulgaria + Right to temporary residence for up to three years + Free access to the labour market + 40 levs of aid per settled person and three meals a day + Free public transport in Sofia until October 2022 + Free travel on the CFR Călători railway with direct connections from Romania to Bulgaria and back Government programme for the resettlement of Ukrainians in the coastal regions has been suspended since 1 June 2022 15 levs of assistance per settled person and three meals a day in new social housing from 1 June 2022 + Ukrainian refugees resettled in social housing within the country, from 1 June 2022 to 31 August 2022 Slovakia + Right to temporary residence for up to three years + Free access to the labour market + Free primary medical care, calling an ambulance, free access to specialists + 80 euros per adult per month under the UN funding programme + 160 euros per child under the age of 3 per month under the UN funding programme + 60 euros per child from 3 to 18 years old per month under the UN funding programme + Additional funding for families for persons with disabilities + 200 euros compensation to home owners for hosting forced migrants from Ukraine– for rent and utilities + 100 euros compensation to home owners for hosting a child of a forced migrant from Ukraine – for rent and utilities + Free travel on ZSSK trains(except IC trains) 130 euros per month per adult and child from the government – cancelled from 1 June 2022 + 140 euros per month per adult and child from UNICEF from 1 June 2022 Austria + Temporary residence permit for up to three years + Free access to the labour market + 150 euro rent subsidy per person per month(private residence) + 300 euros rent subsidy per person per month for a family of two or more(private residence) + 215 euros for food per month per adult + 100 euros for food per month for minors + 200 euros subsidy for school supplies per child per year + 150 euros of clothing subsidies per person per year + 50 euros holiday subsidy per person per month + Free Wiener Linien public transport until the end of September 2022 + Free travel on ÖBB trains(2nd class, local and long-distance) under the Not-Ticket Ukraine programme 28

United Kingdom + Biometric residence permit for three years in the case of a private sponsor + 200 GBP of one-time assistance immediately upon arrival for each family member, under the Homes for Ukraine scheme + Social benefits for people of working age to help cover living expenses if their income is low or the person is unemployed. Calculated individually + Pension for people over 66 years of age who have a low income + Disability benefit + Child benefit + Carer’s allowance if the person is looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week + Free housing from the sponsor for at least six months. + 350 GBP reimbursement to sponsor towards utility costs + Open access to the labour market + Access to the National Health Service + Free education in public schools – for minors The needs of forced migrants from Ukraine are financed primarily from the state budgets of European countries. In particular, in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands funding for the reception of Ukrainians takes place through the redistribution of funds from the development budget. The German government approved a supplementary budget. Funds for migrants in France, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain will come from ministerial and local budgets. 18 The European Union provides substantial support to Member States in meeting the needs of forced migrants from Ukraine. As of May 2022, EU Member States have already received 3.5 billion euros from the 10 billion euros planned within the REACT-EU(Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe) programme. The EU Member States receiving the largest number of immigrants have received, accordingly, the largest share of this funding. 19 18 Ukraine Crisis and Refugee Costs: Initial assessment of impacts for development assistance; available at: https://donortracker.org/insights/ukraine-crisis-and-refugee-costs-initial-assessment-impacts-development-assistance 19 What funding do EU countries receive to help Ukrainian refugees?; available at: https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/05/18/what-funding-do-eucountries-get-to-help-ukrainian-refugees 29

Figure 5. The first tranche of the European Commission’s financial assistance to EU Member States providing protection to refugees from Ukraine in 2022(millions of euros) 20 Poland/ 562 mln Czech Republic/ 283 mln Sweden/ 11 mln Slovakia/ 209 mln Hungary/ 299 mln Italy/ 452 mln Germany/ 75 mln Denmark/ 7 mln Netherlands/ 17 mln Belgium/ 11 mln France/ 123 mln Finland/ 5 mln Ireland/ 3 mln Spain/ 434 mln Estonia/ 60 mln Latvia/ 8 mln Lithuania/ 93 mln Romania/ 450 mln Slovenia/ 10 mln Croatia/ 22 mln Portugal/ 63 mln Luxembourg/ 5 mln Bulgaria/ 148 mln Greece/ 68 mln Austria/ 74 mln Malta/ 4 mln Cyprus/ 4 mln 20 Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1305465/advance-payment-to-eu-countries-welcoming-refugees-from-ukraine/ 30

The financing system for Ukrainian migrants in the EU is quite complex and diverse. It includes, in addition to the instruments mentioned above, other funds, programmes and grants, credit resources and public initiatives. In particular, the global action Stand Up for Ukraine, initiated by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, in partnership with Global Citizen, unites a wide range of activists and world leaders, and, as a result, has collected 9.1 billion euros for people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 21 This is another demonstration of the support for Ukraine in civil society, both in Europe and all over the world. « T he financing system for Ukrainian migrants in the EU is quite complex and diverse. It includes, in addition to the instruments mentioned above, other funds, programmes and grants, credit resources and public initiatives « Photo. Fundraising for Ukrainians suffering from the Russian invasion, Wroclaw, Poland – February 27, 2022. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 21 Stand Up for Ukraine has brought together activists, world leaders and others to support Ukraine and all refugees; available at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/stand-up-for-ukraine-impact-report/ 31

CHAPTER 2. 32

Results of quantitative and qualitative research. Views and experiences of forcibly displaced women and hosts in the context of measures taken by European countries to tackle the migration crisis caused by the war. 33

CHAPTER 2. RESULTS OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH. VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES OF FORCIBLY DISPLACED WOMEN AND HOSTS IN THE CONTEXT OF MEASURES TAKEN BY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO TACKLE THE MIGRATION CRISIS CAUSED BY THE WAR. DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE SAMPLE Regions of Ukraine that the respondents came from The distribution of female respondents by region of residence in Ukraine(Figure 6) corresponds to the results of other studies and expert assessments, in particular, the survey conducted by the Razumkov Centre in March 2022 and the UNHCR in June 2022: 22 – North and Northeast(Kyiv city and Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions): 53.3%; – South(Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya and Dnipropetrovsk regions): 27.1%; – East(Donetsk and Luhansk regions): 6.7%; – West(Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Chernivtsi, Volyn and Rivne regions): 6.6%; – Centre(Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Poltava and Cherkasy regions): 6.3%. The relatively small number of women who left the eastern regions can be explained by the fact that the war in Luhansk and Donetsk regions has been going on for eight years, a large part of these regions has been occupied for a long time, and people from the Ukrainian-controlled territory of these regions, due to the hostilities that have lasted for years, had reason to leave their homes long before the invasion began on 24 February 2022. 22 Lives on Hold: Profiles and Intentions of Refugees from Ukraine; available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/94176 34

Figure 6. Regions of permanent residence in Ukraine of forced migrant women respondents(%) NORTH AND NORTHEAST/ 53.3% WEST/ 6.6% Lviv region Ternopil region Ivano-Frankivsk region Zakarpattia region Chernivtsi region Volyn region Rivne region CENTRE/ 6.3% Vinnytsia region Khmelnytskyi region Kirovohrad region Poltava region Cherkasy region Kyiv Kyiv region Chernihiv region Kharkiv region Sumy region Zhytomyr region SOUTH/ 27.1% Odesa region Mykolaiv region Kherson region Zaporizhzhya region Dnipropetrovsk region EAST/ 6.7% Donetsk region Luhansk region . 35

Age structure of the sample According to the UN classification, female respondents were assigned to one of four age groups: early working age(18–24 years), main working age (25–54 years), mature working age (55–64 years) and elderly people (over 65 years). Comparison of age structures of the population of Ukraine 23 (adjusted for people over the age of 18) and the sample population allows us to conclude that women of prime working age are leaving Ukraine in a number that exceeds official estimates. This is another factor in the war’s negative impact on the state of Ukraine’s labour resources, which, at the same time, has an impact on the labour market and labour resources in Europe. On one hand, a large number of women of working age increases the volume of labour resources; on the other hand, competition in the labour market increases and there is a need for additional measures to help forced migrants to overcome barriers to employment in the country of temporary residence. Assessment of the number of households of forced migrant women The assessment of the number of households of forced migrant women is an important indicator on the basis of which the governments of European countries can forecast the demand for housing, the volume and structure of subsidies and other important socio-economic indicators related to assistance to forced migrants from Ukraine. Figure 7. Comparison of the age structure of the population of Ukraine and the sample of the study(%) Elderly (over 65) 19.86% 3.30% Mature working age (55–64) 16.67% 8.80% Main working age (25–54) 52.13% 78.60% Еarly working age (18–24) 11.35% 9.30% Structure of the population of Ukraine Structure of the sample Figure 8. Distribution of households of forced migrant women by number of adults(%) 36.80% One adult 28.90% Two adults 23.90% Three adults 10.40% Other 23 Estimate of the population of Ukraine as of 1 December 2019; available at: https://ukrstat.gov.ua/Noviny/new2020/zmist/novini/OnU_01_12_2019.pdf 36

Analysis of answers to the question:‘Which of the adult members of your family do you currently live with?’ makes it possible to calculate that there are, on average, about 70 households per 100 displaced women. That is, taking into account our estimate of the total number of forced migrant women in Europe, in the amount of 1.5 million people, the total number of households of forced migrant women, and, accordingly, the need for housing for them is more than 1 million homes. Approximately 10 per cent of the surveyed Ukrainian women answered that they have to live together with other people with whom they do not share a joint household: I live with friends: 2 adult women and 4 children aged 4–15. I live with my female friend. I live with two female friends. I live with two children and a female friend with children. I live with two adults in the same apartment who are not my relatives. I live with a friend and her sister. I live in the same room with an unfamiliar elderly woman. I live with two children and 7 people. I live with my two children and two other families of 9 people. I live with my friends’ family. I live with my son and colleagues. LEGAL STATUS OF FEMALE RESPONDENTS IN THE COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY Most of the respondents(87 per cent) have received a permit for a temporary stay in one of the European countries or are waiting for it. This corresponds with an acceptable margin of error as regards official statistics, 24 according to which 91 per cent of displaced persons have received temporary residence permits. Some 4.5 per cent of female respondents do not plan to apply for a permit. Figure 9. Legal status of female respondents in the country of residence(%) Obtained permit for temporary stay Submitted documents for temporary stay and waiting for the decision I do not intend to submit a document for temporary stay I am planning to submit application for temporary stay permission 8.9% 4.5% 4.2% It is hard to tell 3.2% Submitted documents for refugee status 0.8% Submitted documents for a visa to a third(non-European) country 0.3% 78.1% 87% Most of the respondents have received permission to temporarily stay in one of European countries or are waiting for it 24 UNHCR Operational Data Portal(ODP); available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine 37

MOTIVES AND INTENTIONS Main personal motive for leaving Ukraine Analysis of the motives of the forced migrant women is important, in particular, in view of the existing assumptions that the unprecedented simplification of procedures and the facilitation of crossing borders with the EU for Ukrainians encouraged them to migrate even when it was unnecessary. The answers of the female respondents show that this is not the case. Only 2.3 per cent answered that they had planned to go abroad earlier, and that the war had hastened their decision. The vast majority of female respondents made the decision to leave because their families lived in a war zone, or they considered the entire territory of Ukraine to be a potential danger zone. These statistics are confirmed by female respondents who stated that their motives for going abroad were, in particular, to save children from the horrors of war and from psychological trauma, the loss of their home, jobs, and the need to escape occupied territories. In 2016, my husband, a military serviceman, died. After that, my child did not speak for a year; we left so that this situation would not happen again. My family lived in the area where active military activities took place. Also, because of the war, I lost the ability to support myself and my loved ones. Bombs fall straight on civilians' houses... On the first day of the war, my relatives from Poland started begging me to leave, the children cried that they wanted to live... And a plane was shot down over our house. Anxiety of children was too great, especially at night, when they started having seizures. They cried even when it was calm outside – the oldest child, who is 2 years old, woke up 5–6 times during the night, and I could not calm her down for 15–20 minutes. Our home destroyed, looted. I didn’t want my 7 year-old daughter to experience and see the war. My child was so anxious that she started to shake. Complete occupation of the city. After I saw a plane shot down over my house, I had an asthma attack and my face was distorted. My health deteriorated. I was afraid for my child and wanted to get out of that horror. Some respondents were motivated to leave due to the effects of war, Covid-19, the worsening economic situation in Ukraine, the relocation of the company they were working for or a shortage of medicines. My family and I used to live on the territory that has become a combat zone, so we lost our jobs. Urgent need of medical care. Because of the war, I cannot support my loved ones any more. My company offered to relocate to Hungary. Over 70 per cent of respondents made the decision to relocate by themselves; 21.4 per cent made this decision after a discussion with their relatives. We can assume that a similar share will apply in the case of other important decisions like whether to return to Ukraine or further integrate in the host country. 38

Reasons for choosing a particular host country Reasons for choosing the host country vary. Almost half of the respondents indicated that they chose a country where they had people who could help them, such as relatives, friends or business partners. Eight per cent indicated that being able to reach the relevant country was the main reason for choosing a destination. The remaining respondents chose a country relying on their knowledge of opportunities for life and social assistance. Figure 10. Motives for going abroad(%) 53.3% My family resided in the combat zone or nearby 15.8% I assumed that combat and shelling will take place all over Ukraine 21.4% My family and I decided to relocate to a safe place 2.3% I was planning to relocate abroad before the full-scale invasion, which only pushed me to do that earlier Motives for relocation 7.2% Other We assume that similar trends will remain when it comes to adopting decisions regarding further integration into the European community or return to Ukraine There were relatives, friends or business partners who helped to settle It just happened It was the most convenient to get to I had heard a lot of good things about opportunities and standards of living My husband was there at the time of the full-scale invasion, so I came to him I had a previous positive experience of living in the country(I know the language, used to work or study there) Other 8.4% 8.2% 5.4% 4.4% 5.9% Figure 11. Reasons for choosing the host country(%) 19.6% 48.1% Sweden Finland Estonia Ireland United Kingdom Denmark Latvia Lithuania Netherlands Poland Belgium Germany Czech Rep. Slovakia Austria Switzerland Hungary Moldova France Slovenia Croatia Romania Spain Portugal Italy Bulgaria Cyprus A lot of respondents underlined that the choice of the host country was greatly influenced by the similarity of the language and mentality(mostly with regard to Poland). 39

Poland United Kingdom Estonia Lithuania Czech Republic The closest country, similar to Ukraine in terms of mentality. I feel comfortable here. Language is similar to Ukrainian. Closer to home and the language is easier to understand. Close to Ukraine geographically and by mentality. English-speaking country, it’s easier to navigate around and the child will learn the language. No language barrier, even though I do not even speak English. (the respondent speaks only Russian but is OK in the new environment). I have relatives here, also 70 per cent of the population speak Russian – no language barrier. I have acquaintances and I speak the language. Another important factor was the possibility of finding a job, getting housing, medical assistance and access to basic services. Medical aid In Barcelona, t​​hey responded to a request for help for a son who is on dialysis. I chose a country that would treat my child. Work The company I worked for offered to move to this country, where I continued to work remotely. Personal invitation from the Ministry of Culture of Slovakia. I took advantage of the announcement that artists and their families are provided with shelter and the opportunity to engage in creativity. I found free housing in this country through the internet, and then a job. My husband was on a short-term business trip when the war started. His company transported us to the Czech Republic. A friend helped me find a job in my field, and it became a decisive factor for making a decision. Education I like the approach to raising children, the attitude to sports and a lot of other things in this country. France offers educational opportunities for my children. My son’s football club made an agreement with Lodz FC, and almost the entire team left for Poland. Son is studying in Prague. My son is 17 years old, he is a first-year student, he himself found a university in which he was given the opportunity to study temporarily. That’s why we came here. 40

Other reasons There were acquaintances who took us to the Red Cross. I got to Poland, and there I met volunteers who offered to take me to Italy. I didn’t care where I went to get away from that horror, so I agreed. At first I went to Lviv, I wanted to stay there, but we decided to quickly go to the nearest European country. I was already planning to move to Italy in the future, so the choice of the country of temporary protection was obvious. I have not been to Estonia, but it is a very progressive country. I had a conversation with one company from Estonia, so that also played a role. In addition, Estonia suits me in terms of prices. And here I have prospects for personal development, there is an active community, etc. Potential relocation to another host country Only 5.3 per cent of female respondents are dissatisfied with their country of residence, and intend to move to another country in Europe or outside Europe. Some 80 per cent did not change the country they had moved to from Ukraine at the start of the Russian aggression, while only 7 per cent moved on from their initial country. Plans of forced migrant women to return to Ukraine It is important to know, more or less, the number of forced migrant women who plan to return to Ukraine, the number of people who intend to stay where they are now, and the timeframe in which respondents plan to take action, first of all, in order to forecast models of the socio-economic situation in both Ukraine and Europe. Figure 12. Intentions of forced migrant women with regard to further stay in the host country(%) At the time of the research, 13.6 per cent of female respondents expressed their intention to stay in their country of temporary stay. Another 4.4 per cent 1.7% I intend to move to a non-European country planned to move to another European 3.6% I intend to move to another European country country or emigrate to a non-European state. That makes about 18 per cent of the forced migrant women who will probably not return to Ukraine. This 7% 8% 79.7% I intend to stay in this country, but made attempts to stay in another country before I settled here It is hard to tell I intend to stay in this country and have made no attempts to move to another country estimate slightly exceeds the results of other studies conducted in March– April 2022, according to which the number of Ukrainians who do not plan to return to their homeland varies between 11 and 14 per cent 25, 26 . We assume that there are at least two trends. 25 A study of the behavior and attitudes of Ukrainians who were forced to leave for Europe as a result of the war in Ukraine; available at: http://surl.li/cfziy 26 Research by Work.ua regarding the employment situation; available at: https://www.work.ua/articles/work-in-team/2900/?setlp=ua 41

First, the number of forced migrant women returning to Ukraine is increasing. This is evidenced by Ukrainian State Border Service data, according to which, starting from 10 May 2022, the flow of people entering Ukraine over the western border exceeds the number of those who left. 27 It is likely that those people who planned to return to Ukraine in the near future will realize their intentions. At the same time, the number of people who decide to remain in the country of temporary stay for a long time is increasing, primarily among the 10.5 per cent of female respondents who have not for the time being decided on their plans. Katalin Golish, KACPU volunteer, representative of the organization Ukrainian Initiatives of South Moravia, Czech Republic:‘Among the changes that have taken place since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, I have observed a tendency for Ukrainians to return home, as well as significant adaptation changes: people found work, children were sent to kindergartens or schools, they try to communicate in Czech, some started to rely on their own capacities.’ It can be assumed that the increase in the number of people who will decide to stay in Europe will depend on the duration of hostilities in Ukraine: the longer the war lasts, the more women will get a job in the countries of temporary stay, learn the language, and send their children to school. Also, in our opinion, the decision to return to Ukraine is influenced by whether a woman has found affordable housing for herself and her family in the host country, as well as the ratio of the level of income she receives(social assistance, salary) to the level of expenses. Another main reason why forced migrant women decide not to return is the degree of destruction of their home in Ukraine. Iryna, forced migrant woman, Belgium:‘Quite often, forced migrant women discuss among themselves the issue of returning to Ukraine in places where they gather, for example, at language courses. Some of them say that they will most likely not return to Ukraine. The main reason is that their home has been completely destroyed by the occupiers, the territory is under occupation, and the businesses that provided them with work have been destroyed or closed. That is, as they themselves say, there is nowhere to return. Especially if they have already managed to find housing, albeit temporary, and work, albeit low-skilled, in the host country.’ Figure 13. Plans to return to Ukraine(%) I plan to live in this country for some time and return to Ukraine after the end of hostilities I want to return to Ukraine in the near future I want to stay in this country if I can It is hard to tell I will stay until the expiry of my temporarily protected status 3.7% I plan to emigrate to a non-European state 2.2% I plan to move to another European state in the near future I will stay in the host country in accordance with the visa-free regime regulations(90/180 days) 2.2% 1.3% 18.0% 13.6% 10.5% 48.6% We assume that the number of refugees deciding to not return to Ukraine will depend on the timeframes of the warfare 27 Telegram channel; available at: https://t.me/DPSUkr/4378 42

TRAVELLING FROM THE UKRAINIAN BORDER TO A PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN THE HOST COUNTRY Opportunities taken by forced migrant women during travel from the Ukrainian border to the host country It is important to note that the majority of the forced migrant women – 65.8 per cent – took advantage of various services, benefits and assistance provided in European countries, at the level of both state institutions and charitable and volunteer organizations. Free travel by bus or train turned out to be the most popular service that Ukrainian women used when moving from Figure 14. Number of respondents who used free transfer from the Ukrainian border to their place of stay. Ukrainian border to the host country(%) A third of respondents used it. Some 30.6 per cent of female respondents used the help of local organizations, international organizations, volunteers and private individuals when moving from Ukrainian border to their place of residence. Around 20 per cent of respondents took advantage of a free stay in a hotel or temporary shelter. In their answers to open questions, the respondents noted the high level of kindness and willingness to help demonstrated by representatives of state structures, volunteers and ordinary Europeans. Free accommodation with Poles. Free accommodation provided by citizens of Slovakia. Volunteers brought their own car from Poland to Spain. 10.8% 15.8% 30.6% 34.2% 43.3% Free stay in the hotel Free stay in temporary shelter(educational institution, sports centres) Free transfer organized by local and international organizations, volunteers and private persons Have not used any assistance Free transfer by bus or train in European countries We paid to get to Poland. Everything is free in Poland. Free accommodation in apartments. We booked an apartment on the website, but when we arrived, we were told that the accommodation was free for us. Free lunches from Kamensky University. I use free transport in the city of stay. Humanitarian aid in the first week of stay(food, clothing, household goods). Free transport for Ukrainians in Hungary. The international company for which I worked in Ukraine gave us the opportunity to travel to the place of residence for free. Free accommodation with local residents in Germany and free travel on toll roads by our own car. 43

Problems faced by forced migrant women moving to their place of temporary stay The respondents experienced certain problems, taking into account the fact that millions of refugees fled abroad with the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. But the majority of respondents noted that they are very grateful to the volunteers and ordinary citizens of European countries who met them, helped with everything, explained what to do and where to go, hosted, fed and transferred them. Among the problems, respondents noted, first of all, the difficulty in obtaining free tickets and the long waiting time for trains. Problems for people with special dietary needs in places of temporary stay. Long queues at the border, lack of hygienic conditions(toilet, rest rooms). When we arrived in Poland, we sat in the bus in Warsaw for almost a day. After a long journey and crossing the border, 17 people had to spend the night in the bus, as the person who rented the bus was waiting for other refugees to fill it up. They don’t always allow animals on trains and planes. I stood for two days after crossing the border to process documents in bad conditions, because I only had birth certificates with me. There is no children’s room there, even to change a diaper. Transportation is not organized. First we went to Prague, the train did not stop there, it is not clear why, we were dropped off in Pardubice. Then we waited for the train to Prague. Then the volunteers found us accommodation in Brno – and we had to wait for another train to Brno. The lack of buses on the border between Ukraine and Poland directly at the checkpoint where we were(Hrushiv). We waited for transport, spent the night in Poland at the train station without a place to sleep. I had no place to spend the night with my children when I was traveling. I had to drive for almost 24 hours. We spent one night at the station. They didn’t tell us that if we paid a little extra, we could travel with seats, and that’s why we travelled in the train aisle. It was very difficult. We arrived in Krakow at night, spent the night at the train station, on the floor. The tickets were without seats, we travelled standing. A Polish woman gave us her place, otherwise I don’t know how we would have got where we were heading. You can wait for a ticket for several days. My mother and I waited for a day to change to another free train because there were no tickets. We didn’t know where to go, so we sat at the station. When crossing the border, there was no information about social support in the country, and because of this, we could not immediately decide which country to go to. We searched for information and moved to the country we are now in. 44

Photo. Volunteers offer water, hot drinks and food to forced migrant women from Ukraine queuing at the Federal Agency for Asylum Seekers (Fedasil), March 2022, Belgium Photo. Riga, Latvia. 8 March 2022. Ukrainian forced migrants are gathering at refugee center in Riga. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 45

ISSUES RELATED TO CHILDREN LIVING WITH FORCED MIGRANT WOMEN The number of forced migrant women who reside with children in host countries In total, 73.2 per cent of women left Ukraine with children: 38.6 per cent of the total number of displaced women have one child with them, 26.5 per cent two children, and 8.1 per cent three or more children. By extrapolation we can calculate that, on average, there are about 116 children for every 100 forced migrant women from Ukraine. Therefore, it is children under the age of 18 who are the most numerous category of persons among Ukrainians currently looking for shelter in European countries. This circumstance, confirmed by international humanitarian organizations, 28 shows that solving problems related to children should be a priority. Figure 15. The share of forcibly displaced women with children by age groups and number of children(%) 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 16-24 I have no children with me One child Two children Three or more children 25-54 55-64 65 or older Issues related to childcare Among the 749 female respondents who crossed the border with children, 233(31 per cent) noted that they have unresolved problems related to childcare. The main problems mentioned by the respondents in the answers to the open question‘Describe the most significant problems related to child care’ can be divided into several groups: placement of children in kindergarten; placement of children in school and in sports and creative after-class activities; obtaining medical aid; and financial problems. 28 Portal of the international humanitarian organization‘Plan International’; available at: https://plan-international.org/news/2022/06/09/how-polish-schools-are-welcoming-refugee-children-from-ukraine/ 46

The first group. Finding a place for children in kindergarten. In almost all countries, female respondents faced the problem of placing children in kindergarten. This is because of both the lack of free places and the age at which children are admitted to kindergarten. In most European countries, children are admitted to public kindergarten from the age of three, while private kindergartens, according to the respondents, are very expensive. Another problem is placement in a kindergarten without confirmation of housing availability, which was pointed out by female respondents from several European countries. The time a child remains in kindergarten is very short, and mothers cannot get a job because the child needs to be picked up at 12:30. Austria Belgium Bulgaria Italy Germany Poland Romania Switzerland There are no kindergarten places for children. Enrolment in summer kindergarten: you have to wait a long time for medical insurance. There is a lack of kindergartens and school places, so it’s hard to find a job with two children. There is nowhere to leave a child if you go to work. And they don’t want to hire women with children. The only problem is that my child is one and a half years old, and kindergartens accept kids three years old or older. Younger ones can only go to private ones that cost 180 euros per month. There are no places in the kindergartens; we were offered a chance to bring the child in only twice a week. I would like to take children to afterclass activities, but there are none in a small town. Problems: I haven’t registered for permanent housing yet, so I can’t register for kindergarten, and because of that there is no one to leave the child with. It’s hard to find housing. I am almost the only mother whose child has entered kindergarten. In Munich it is very difficult. I submitted an application to 96 kindergartens, only two responded. From the beginning of May, they started going to kindergarten for five hours. And in general, at the end of March, you need to submit an application for kindergarten for the next year, but many mothers did not know about it and lost their chance. There is currently no opportunity to place two-year-old and 10-month-old children in kindergarten. The child cannot go to the nursery, it’s too expensive. There is no one to leave him with. My child is in a kindergarten until noon. The time after 12:00 costs more, so I can’t find a job. The kindergarten, in general, is open until 4:30 p.m., and with such a schedule it is difficult to find employment. It is not possible to place children in kindergarten and school. Schools and kindergartens are not available to Ukrainians. It is impossible to find kindergartens, which are open here only from the age of 4. I am here alone with my child. Once there was an incident: when I was at a language course and left my child in the playroom, the child was taken for a walk without my knowledge... I was terrified… I have no one to leave my child with if I need to go somewhere. 47

Slovakia Czech Republic Sweden I can’t work full-time, because there is no opportunity to attend kindergarten for the younger child. There are no places in the kindergarten, and those that are available are not open in the summer months. And the working hours of kindergartens are not the same as in Ukraine. Registration is required to apply for kindergarten. I have two small children. I can’t put them in kindergarten because there are no places. We take turns taking care of the children with a friend of mine, we haven’t found a kindergarten. I can’t find a free place in the kindergarten. I cannot send children to school and kindergarten in our district, because there are no free places, and it’s difficult to go to another district. I would like to be able to leave the child in kindergarten for longer. At present it is only until 12:30, so it is impossible to get a job. It was very difficult to find a kindergarten; in two cities we were refused because there are no places. Kindergartens open only from September, and they did not want to take Ukrainian children. Therefore, we had to change our place of residence until we were taken by a kindergarten. Three hours a day in kindergarten, plus it takes 30 minutes to walk there as there is no transport, children are not provided with food and are outside all the time in any weather. The second group. Enrolment of children in school, sports and arts after-class activities. In addition to the problem with free places in schools, respondents also pointed to problems with the language barrier for children, when they need assistance to adapt to a new language environment. A big problem for many respondents was that in the host country there is no opportunity to continue sports and arts in after-class activities. Austria United Kingdom Estonia Italy There is almost no communication(at least in the first stages) between the school teachers and the child. Who will explain what and why, enabling them to complete homework. Lack of German language courses for children in the region(city of Melk). There are not enough places in schools anywhere. It was difficult to find a place for younger children(up to 11 years old). There is one private school and one public school. We go to another village to a junior high school, taken by our sponsor. The older child was accepted at the school in our village without any problems. There is no place in the school for the eldest son. The only thing missing in our town is some sports sections and clubs for children under 10 years old. 48

Netherlands Germany Poland Portugal France Czech Republic The problem is sports for children, gymnastics and the pool for babies. The child is not enrolled in school – there are no places. It is difficult to send a child to school. The child was seriously involved in sports(swimming) in Ukraine, I don’t know where to send her to for training. The child was into sports in Mykolaiv(judo), but there are no such classes here, and the child really wants to do sports in the future. We could not find a teacher for violin lessons, there are no teachers for additional music lessons(music is considered as a future career profile). Admission to college. Due to the difference in the educational program, it is not clear which class to go to. There is no information on children’s camps that might make it possible to improve the child’s health in the summer. There are no free clubs and summer camps with food and accommodation. In Ukraine, the child was engaged into 8 after-class activities, but here he does not go anywhere. The child has no place to be taken care of from lunch until I get home from work. He is 8 years old and I have to pick him up at 12.30. There are no groups for children with Ukrainian-speaking teachers and coaches. There are also no discounts for after-class activities and sports sections for Ukrainian children. It is difficult to get enrolled in the first grade at school. There were no places in the pre-school classes of a Polish school. I can’t find a specialized maths school, a kindergarten, a school for gifted children. I can’t enrol my eldest son(9 years old) in school and my daughter at kindergarten(3 years old). We don’t have long-term housing. There is no internet where we stay. The child does not have access to education. There is no internet in the temporary camp, distance learning in a Ukrainian school is impossible. We cannot get a place at a local school because we do not have registration for long-term place of residence. There is no school for a 12-year-old child in the city where we have to relocate. There are no language courses at all for a child of 12.5 years; courses are offered only for those who enter the university. It is necessary to enrol a child in school for first grade, but there are no free places. We live in a small town, and the child has nowhere to go for after-class activities. There is a school with sections, but it is designed for children from 6-12 years old. I can’t drive to sports clubs in another city. 49

Slovakia Sweden Children lack opportunity to study full-time. Ukrainian schools cannot fully function. As for Slovak, without knowledge of the language – at the moment it’s just‘being in a group of children’, it’s not about learning. In addition, the children were taken to a younger class. Also, the journey to school takes a long time: 1.5 hours there and the same time back.... Older girls danced professionally. We cannot arrange enrolment of children into after-class activities and sports. It is difficult to place a younger child in kindergarten. There are no Slovak language courses at the school. It’s hard to be alone with a child, because I have to work. Especially in the second shift. I don’t even mention after-class activities. The child is interested in drawing. In Ukraine, she attended an art studio. Nothing like that has been found here yet. I have not found opportunities for sports or leisure activities for children with autism. Registering a child in school is a long-term process. You need to go through several interviews and pass tests. Thus, it can be argued that forced migrant women face barriers to the education of their children, as resources in host countries are limited and there is a shortage of schools, places in class, and teachers. In order for the children of forced migrants from Ukraine to have access to quality education, it is necessary to involve all levels in search of solutions, from national education ministries to local communities. The most difficult situation regarding the education of forced migrant women in Poland is due to the large number of them. It is worth noting that the Polish authorities’ reaction to these problems was quick and effective. 29 On 12 March 2022, the President of Poland signed a new act regulating the status and provision of assistance to refugees from Ukraine in Poland. In the first months of the influx of forced migrants from Ukraine, the Ministry of National Education of Poland(pol. Ministerstwo Edukacji Narodowej Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) prepared information in Polish and Ukrainian for parents on how to enrol a child in school and what rights their children have. On 30 March 2022, the Ministry announced the launch of a special chatbot within the framework of the#SzkołaDlaWas 30 project, which allows Ukrainians to receive up-to-date information in their native language about the education system, available study options and application procedures. The Ministry also distributed information on providing psychological and pedagogical support to incoming Ukrainian students among teachers. It prepared a list of available educational materials that can be used in working with students who have left Ukraine due to the war and were admitted to Polish schools. The Ministry’s integrated educational platform provides everyone with open and free access to numerous and diverse educational materials. 31 Also, the Ministry relaxed the rules on teacher overtime to attract additional students and simplified teaching rules so that Ukrainian teachers who emigrated to Poland could teach in Polish schools: teacher diplomas obtained in Ukraine will be considered equivalent to Polish teacher diplomas through the recognition process. 29 Poland’s educational responses to the influx of Ukrainian students; available at: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/polands-education-responses-influx-ukrainian-students 30 Ministerstwo Edukacji i Nauki. Szkoła dla Was; available at: https://www.gov.pl/web/edukacja-i-nauka/szkola-dla-was 31 Zintegrowaną Platformę Edukacyjną; available at: www.zpe.gov.pl 50

In the 2021/2022 academic year, the Ministry also allowed Ukrainians to work as teacher’s assistants so that they could support Ukrainian students in the classroom. A condition for a Ukrainian to become an assistant is to have a good command of the Polish language in order to best facilitate the inclusion of nonPolish-speaking children in the class. The rule that required the presence of special documents confirming knowledge of the Polish language was abolished. It should also be noted that Ukrainian mothers want to continue the comprehensive development of their children by ensuring attendance at after-class activities, access to which is also limited. Especially children who were seriously engaged in sports, music and so on, and who want to engage seriously in such activities in the future, suffer in this situation. If war prevents children from developing their talents it may lead to significant damage to human capital. Third group. Obtaining medical services. Respondents noted that it is difficult to get to a paediatrician or narrow specialist; it is difficult to communicate with doctors without knowing the language; and it is difficult to buy medicine, especially for children with chronic diseases or the disabled. Estonia Spain Italy Germany Poland Romania It is very difficult to find a family doctor, it is very difficult to get through on the hotline for medical assistance for migrants. With a high temperature, the child was not accepted for examination in three hospitals... There are difficulties regarding medical services for a child with a disability. My son has problems with his thyroid gland, he constantly has to take medicine. The medicines we brought with us are running out, in Italy these medicines are sold only by prescription, and we cannot register with a doctor. I can’t find the doctors the child needs: a speech therapist, a neurologist, a psychiatrist. When the child got sick, they didn’t want to treat her until she was in the intensive care unit. I don’t know where to find a doctor who speaks languages I understand. I don’t know how to even make an appointment with a doctor. It was difficult to find a Russian-/Ukrainian- or at least English-speaking doctor. An ambulance was called for the child: the doctor made an incorrect diagnosis, my child got spasms’. Paediatricians, if urgent, are paid. It is difficult to find a Russian-speaking doctor. All medicines are by prescription, they are forced always to consult a doctor. It’s hard to get a free paediatrician if you need one fast. I can’t find a psychologist and I’m worried about my health. My son has a chronic disease, and we have to take tests every month. At the moment, we have not yet found a hospital where it can be done for free and close to the place of residence. 51

Slovakia Czech Republic It would be good to get access to psychological therapeutic classes, art therapy for children, in a relaxed environment, not at school. There is no possibility of special education and care for a child with a disability. We are examining the child. There are kidney problems. It is difficult to communicate with doctors without knowledge of the Slovakian language. There is no source of information about the necessary medical examinations, certificates, vaccinations, which are mandatory for placing children in kindergartens and/or schools or educational institutions. There is no information regarding the list of designated hospitals to provide medical services for Ukrainian women and children. I can’t find an orthopaedist for a child who has a serious health problem, because I don’t know the language and cannot find a translator, I don’t know how to find a doctor. It is impossible to get to a paediatrician to get a routine vaccination. The same problem with kindergartens. My middle son is 11, he was diagnosed with autism in Ukraine. We have been through a lot with him, he talks, communicates with his peers, knows how to do everything. To make it easier for him to learn, we went to a boarding school with a speech therapy focus. Autism as a diagnosis was cancelled, the autistic spectrum remained. He gets bored a little faster in class. So I don’t know how to deal with it. The fourth group. Financial problems. As a rule, the process of obtaining financial aid in the country of temporary stay takes a long time, and the payment amounts differ, depending on local rules, family composition, income and so on. Some interviewees said that they do not have enough money even for children’s food, household items and medicines. Denmark Italy Germany Poland Now I can’t get financial aid because I don’t have a bank account, and because of that I can’t pay for the continuation of my youngest daughter’s education. The problem is that we don’t have enough money to rent an apartment, so we live together in one room: me, and children of different genders, 16 and 8 years old. There is no help with obtaining baby food. Kindergartens are open until 11:30, school until 13:00. If children stay until 3:45pm(which is the latest that I can pick them up), then the kids have to eat lunch. Meals are not free. That’s 10 euros a day!’ There isn’t enough information about where to get things for children free of charge. Very expensive medicines and essentials. We have to pay for kindergarten, a 2-year-old child is not accepted in a state one, there are no places. 52

Romania Slovakia Czech Republic Sweden Lack of funds for full maintenance of children. Caring for a child requires a lot of expenses: food, vitamins, medicines, education, books, clothes, psychological help, development... Unfortunately, the level of financial assistance does not make it possible to provide for all these needs to the extent required. Insufficient funds for children’s dental treatment. The high cost of baby food for a seven-month-old baby(26 euros for 800 grammes of food for 4 days). High cost of the services of a babysitter or private kindergartens, which also work part-time. This makes it difficult to find a job with a schedule that would allow me to pick the child up on time. State kindergartens are overcrowded. Due to the lack of funds, there is no opportunity to visit friends or to provide the child with everything necessary. It is impossible to find a place to leave children in the summer when there is no school. Very expensive Czech camps. I need to constantly buy baby formula and diapers, which are very expensive.... Lack of free or low-cost summer camps for preschool and school-aged children. Czech camps are very expensive. I don’t know who to leave my child with in the summer if I find a job. Students have the following problem: we receive stipends from which we pay for the dormitory and food, but the funds are only enough for the dormitory. The first 2 weeks are free, that’s it. In fact, the amount of scholarship given is less than promised. They promised a scholarship of 14,000, but they actually gave only 5,000, of which 3,500 goes on the dormitory. Little financial aid not even enough for food for the children. It should be noted separately, however, that the very fact that financial aid and other benefits are being provided in amounts unprecedented for the EU, both from the EU budget and from national budgets, for forced migrants is a manifestation of solidarity with Ukrainians in a time of need. 53

ISSUES RELATED TO THE CARE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS OR THE ELDERLY People with disabilities or chronic diseases and the elderly are among the most vulnerable categories of people, which is why recording and summarizing their problems is an important component of research. Around 16 per cent of all respondents indicated that there are persons with them who need special care due to disability, serious illness, or old age, or that they themselves are in that category. Figure 16. Share of forced migrant women who faced issues related to the care of people with disabilities or serious health conditions, or the elderly(%) Respondents who take care of people with disabilities or are disabled themselves indicate the difficulty of obtaining a doctor’s visit. Without a doctor’s prescription, it is impossible to buy essential medicines, and sometimes you have to wait several months for a visit to a specialist. Also, many female respondents note that they do not have enough money for medicine. Forced migrant women also have problems with medical insurance; in some countries, it is designed only for emergency care, but it is not provided for chronically ill people. It is difficult to find housing equipped for people with disabilities. The majority of female respondents point to lengthy bureaucratic procedures for obtaining assistance. Other 3.4% 3.8% I also belong to one of the categories mentioned 8.8% One or more dependants who require care 84% No dependants « eople with disabilities or chronic diseases and the elderly are P among the most vulnerable categories of people, which is why recording and summarizing their problems is an important component of research. « Photo. Ukrainian refugees crossing the Moldavian-Ukrainian border near Palanka, 14 March 2022. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 54

Estonia Spain Italy Netherlands Germany Poland We were registered at the hospital even without a temporary residence permit and had an examination; a prescription for 45 euros was written. If there are no documents, there are no discounts. My husband is taking antidepressants, and the hospital told him to go to the Red Cross, where he was given the medicine absolutely free of charge. But for some reason, they do not provide medicine for my mother’s diabetes. I have not been given the status of a disabled person, because here dermatitis, even in a very pronounced form, is not a reason for receiving partial disability, which means I get no financial assistance. Because of the war in Ukraine, my father spent much time in a cold basement and almost lost the ability to walk. After arriving in Spain on 26 March 2022, we received a SIP card and immediately went to the hospital, but my father needed an appointment with a specialist, who could only see him as late as June... It would be better if specialists could receive seriously ill people affected by the war immediately. We couldn’t get an appointment with an oncologist for more than two months. I have diabetes, oncology and vasculitis. The problem is the long waits for medical assistance and lack of sufficient financial support for appropriate treatment. Now my mother is still taking medicine that we brought from Ukraine, but it is running out. Because we can’t get to the doctor and get registered, we can’t buy medicine for my mother, because it is available only by prescription. Medical insurance is generally unclear; it has really helped, only in emergency cases. For high blood pressure only paracetamol is prescribed, medicine is expensive, and financial aid is too small to cover such expenses. You can’t go to a doctor, only in an emergency; medicine can be bought only at our own expense. The payments are only€20 a week, I can’t buy everything I need. Everything is treated with paracetamol, no matter whether it is a headache or leg pains. My mother can’t walk very well and needs compression stockings. I had to get a separate permit to visit a doctor. Bureaucracy again, and we haven’t been able to get them for a month, even though they are in stock. In October, the term of the document regarding child’s disability ends, a consultation with a cardiologist is required. We still don’t know how we will do it. My mother has to undergo a medical examination, they waited three weeks for vouchers. We were looking for a Russian-speaking doctor for my mother. Everything takes so much time... Difficulties making an appointment with a doctor. Very long queues. An appointment can be made 2–3 months in advance at best. Difficulties with transportation to the medical center for my mother. 55

Slovakia France Czech Republic Lack of health insurance for chronic diseases. My mother is undergoing a course of treatment, the cost of drugs is equivalent to a monthly allowance. An older family member has dementia and there is no facility to put her in for a while. It is difficult to find suitable specialists for the disease, I cannot undergo all the necessary medical examinations, the doctor does not give discounts on prescription drugs that I take regularly, this significantly increases costs. Language is also a serious barrier to describing health problems. Not all necessary medicines are on sale in Slovakia. The problem of finding housing adapted to the needs of a person with a disability. The need to constantly buy painkillers; there are no funds for this. Lack of special care for a child with a disability(cerebral palsy); because of this there is no opportunity to attend educational institutions (first-grader). Very expensive medicines and hygiene products, which are necessary for people with disabilities; there are no discounts. The problems include finding housing that will be comfortable for a person with a disability, obtaining state assistance and the need to go to another place to submit documents, learning a language for a person with a disability, since not all places are equipped with elevators. The problem is child rehabilitation, which we undergo in Ukraine. Here, it is not financially feasible for us. After a spinal operation, numbness of the fingers remained, treatment and examinations are required, but it is either impossible or too expensive to get the necessary services outside Ukraine. I have been waiting for a very long time for an MRI of the brain to be prescribed, because I have breast cancer with metastases in the brain; the growth of the tumour is controlled only by radiation. My mother had heart problems, she was taken to the intensive care unit, they provided emergency care there. They did all the tests and analyses for free, because I already have insurance. But what was prescribed and what to do next is unclear, because all the documents are in French. It is impossible to get through to the reception, who had postponed our appointment. And I could not wait, I needed them to examine my daughter and tell me whether it was necessary to increase or decrease the dosage of her medicine. She has cancer... 56

ISSUES RELATED TO ACCOMMODATION FOR FORCED MIGRANT WOMEN Searching for housing in the host country Finding shelter, a place to stay, is, in our opinion, one of the most important basic needs of forced migrants to enable them to establish their lives and socialize in the host country. Almost half of the respondents (46.8 per cent) said that relatives or acquaintances in the host country helped them find housing. This demonstrates the development of the human contact network among Ukrainians and Europeans, as well as Ukrainians living abroad and among forced migrants. It also indicates the effectiveness of decisions made and implemented in a short period of time regarding provision of displaced persons with housing from state and non-state organizations. Approximately 50 per cent of forced migrant persons have made use of this option, or more than two million people. We understand that the decentralization and delegation of authority from formal, state and non-state structures to private individuals increases the level of flexibility and adaptability of offers and services to migrants’ specific needs. However, it should be taken into account that the war with Russia may last a long time, as evidenced by a number of authoritative forecasts, 32 and accordingly, migration problems will be with us for a long time. Also, from the experience of the Ukrainian volunteer movement, we are well aware of the effects of volunteer‘burnout’, which in practice will mean a gradual decrease in the activity of volunteers helping displaced people. This is evidenced, for example, by an interview on Latvian television with the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia, Kristaps Eklons, who noted that people in the country are tired of receiving refugees from Ukraine. According to the Latvian minister,‘immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many had hopes that the war would end soon and everything would be resolved. But this did not happen, so the enthusiasm faded, fatigue set in, which can be understood in a human way... so we need to look for other solutions…’. 33 Thus, strengthening the role of state institutions in EU and non-EU countries in helping displaced persons is of great importance given the fact that the integration of such persons in the labour market is very uneven. Gaëlle Gormley, president of ACT FOR REF, France: In my opinion, the state should have better organized help, first of all, with housing. Families in France who register as housing providers often offer temporary options: for a week or two, for a month. But not everyone who needs housing can find new accommodation so quickly, within a week or so. Our organization, for example, always aims to find housing for Ukrainian families for at least six months, and preferably for longer. Figure 17. How did you find housing in the host country?(%) Relatives/acquaintances in the host country helped Charitable organizations/volunteers helped Locals whom I didn’t know helped 18% 8.7% Employees of local state/municipal bodies helped Information on the internet, in social networks I am staying in a temporary shelter, continue looking for a place to stay on a regular basis I(my family) own property in the country of current stay I can’t say Other 7.6% 6.9% 3.3% 0.6% 0.4% 7.6% 46.8% 32 The war in Ukraine may last for years, the head of NATO warns; available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61856144 33 Portal Delfi; available at: https://rus.delfi.lv/news/daily/latvia/glava-mvd-obschestvo-i-predprinimateli-ustali-prinimat-ukrainskih-bezhencev.d?id=54476198 57

Clarifying answers of female respondents make it possible to better understand how they found housing in the countries of temporary stay: through social networks and websites, the media, employers, religious organizations, sports clubs, and so on. We came to Warsaw by accident, and late at night some Poles took us to their home for a short period of time and found us a place to live through Polish radio. An employer from Ukraine helped. An international company where I worked in Ukraine helped. Helped by the table tennis sports federation. The church helped. Charitable organizations, volunteers helped, local residents I didn’t know before helped, through information on the internet, social networks, groups. Religious communities helped. Housing is paid for by the company I work for. Now I am in the Red Cross. My friend works in IT, and his company helped me find a hotel. I found it myself through an advertisement on the internet. Poles who rented housing and paid for the first month. We rent housing that we found on the internet. They looked for a place to rent themselves, because they wanted normal living conditions. At first I lived with my aunt, then in a student residence. The football club put us up in a hotel. Charitable organizations, volunteers, and local residents also helped. Characteristics of the housing in which displaced women are staying The majority of female respondents(41.2 per cent) live in apartment buildings. Another 27.2 per cent are in private houses and so on. Some 2.4 per cent of female respondents live in temporary accommodation. Figure 18. Describe the type of housing you are residing in(%) 41.2% 27.2% 13.3% Apartment building Private house Hostel, dormitory 12.1% 3.8% 2.4% Hotel Place of temporary stay(school, sports complex, and so on) Other 58

In some clarifying answers(this applies to those who chose the option‘Other’), the respondents indicate that they live on the premises of religious organizations, in sanatoriums and recreation centres, in hospitals, offices, and so on. Conditions of stay More than half of respondents(54.8 per cent) live in conditions that can be called quite acceptable: the displaced woman or her family live separately, in a room, apartment or house. A third of respondents said that they live with several people in the same room. Figure 19. Conditions of stay of respondents It is worth noting that living situations vary greatly, as evidenced by the answers to the open questions. Two-room separate suite in a hotel. Several people live in one room with me A whole house/apartment is provided for me/my family 33.4% 27.9% The house is provided for several families to live in. I live in a room by myself 16.1% I live with my children in a separate room. Our family live in several rooms 10.8% I live with another girl, a student like me. Other 11.8% My children have a separate room, I live in a room with another woman. Separate two-room suite for five people. Half of a house, with a separate entrance and yard. I was accommodated by an acquaintance, no separate room. I live with my children in one room, and my mother lives with another woman. Sports hall, more than 100 people. A three-room apartment, in which my friend and I live in one room, and other people who are not my relatives live in the other rooms. I live in a room with 10 strangers, this leads to various difficulties. I would like to have a separate apartment for me and my child. I live in the same room with an elderly woman. Karina, Brno, expert, sociologist:‘In the Czech Republic, at the beginning of the programme, Ukrainians were provided with two meals a day in hotels. However, the provision of such meals was recently cancelled. People live in rooms where it is impossible to use cooking equipment, it is not possible to use the hotel kitchen, and one kettle is allocated to three floors. People with children remain on dry rations for a long time. This problem has not been solved in any way. In addition, people cannot change their place of residence freely. For example, in order to change their place of residence, Ukrainians must have funds for a better hotel or to rent a house. People may be forcibly evicted, then assigned another place of residence. Lack of proper nutrition is not accepted as a sufficient reason to change place of residence. There are no offers of free housing or host families in Prague and big cities.’ 59

Conditions of housing use In the survey, 16.7 per cent of women noted that they rented housing at their own expense. All others were using housing in the host countries for free: either it is provided to them by local residents, or by state bodies and charitable organizations, or by relatives/friends/acquaintances. Figure 20. Under what conditions are you using housing?(%) Free housing provided by locals Free housing provided by state/municipal authorities Renting at one’s own expense Free housing provided by relatives, friends, acquaintances from Ukraine Free housing provided by charitable organizations The cost of rent is taken from financial aid provided by the state My own property 2.8% 0.4% 18.3% 16.7% 10.9% 8.6% Other 10.1% 32.3% It is important to note that the possibilities of obtaining housing free of charge are diminishing. In particular, in Bulgaria, where about 100,000 Ukrainian migrants are staying, the programme for their accommodation in hotels along the coast ended in connection with the beginning of the summer tourist season. In order to extend their stay, the state provided forced migrants with housing inland, but interest in relocation was so low that Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Kalina Konstantinova announced that she was ending the programme, calling Ukrainian refugees‘fidgety’. Subsequently, under pressure of criticism from public organizations, Kalina Konstantinova apologized and announced the continuation of the resettlement programme. 34 This is how one respondent of our study described this situation in an express interview: Tetiana, Golden Sands, Bulgaria:‘In connection with the end of Bulgaria’s programme for the resettlement and free accommodation of forced migrants from Ukraine in hotels on the coast... people were simply put on buses and trains with the intention of taking them somewhere. There was no information from official institutions about where those who cannot find or rent housing will be resettled. When people asked about where they were being taken, they did not get an answer. Therefore, tensions began to arise due to misunderstandings. Many of those Ukrainians who were in Bulgaria left for other countries. As a result, some of the people who remained in Bulgaria were relocated to a camp where the accommodation is a trailer, inside which the air temperature is+50, where there is one toilet for a large number of people, where there is no water, no food is delivered, the territory is surrounded by barbed wire...’ Separate residences for a family require, first of all, compliance with the norm on the number of square metres of housing space per person and the availability of a separate sleeping place for each family member. 34 European Truth media(https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2022/06/3/7140563/) citing the portal https://www.euractiv.com/ 60

Іryna, forced migrant in Belgium, Hesden-Zolder:‘My family and I are sincerely grateful to the Belgian government for shelter and efforts to help resolve various issues. For my part, I understand that Belgium will most likely not be able to pay us aid indefinitely(till the end of the war). A social worker also hinted at this during one of my visits to the local social services. In addition, she advised me, if possible, to save the funds that I currently receive for my family here in Belgium. Like, the day will come when we will have to pay the rent for the apartment ourselves. Moreover, she said that I will not be able to rent, for example, a one-room apartment, since there are four of us: me, my daughter and two granddaughters. The fact is that in Belgium – and in many other European countries – there are standards for living space per person, and each person must have a separate sleeping place. According to these norms, we will need to rent a two-room apartment. Only in this case, will the social service be able to approve our relocation and change of address. I can already see that it will be difficult for our family, because, first of all, Belgians are reluctant to rent apartments to Ukrainian women with children: in the event that we have nothing to pay the rent, they will not be able to terminate the contract with us, since the family has small children. And secondly, the amount of social benefits does not allow us to save enough to rent a two-room apartment...’. Respondents in other countries describe the situation regarding housing payments as follows: The housing was free for two months, now I rent it. Free for 120 days. Then – rent. Housing at the expense of a salary from a potential employer. Free housing from a company that has a branch in Ukraine. Free housing from my sister’s employer. Free accommodation provided by local residents, but we pay all utility bills. Free, provided under the terms of the state compensation programme for our stay. Free rooms in the Red Cross dormitory. Free until June, pay only utilities. Free, monastery. Only the first months were provided free of charge, then full rent. Free from the church. An Estonian woman rented us an apartment for a whole year for free; even in the contract it is stated that the payment is 0. We live with relatives, but we pay for food and utilities. I live for free, the church pays for housing from parishioners’ donations. I live with friends, I pay for utilities. Housing is free, but we do some work for it. Housing was provided by one of the volunteers who worked with us. It was agreed that he would pay the rent 50/50, but this month he paid everything, we only had utilities to cover. With our own funds, but we expect compensation for the owner from the state. The rent is paid by the international company where I worked in Ukraine. At the expense of the football club. The employer provided housing for free for three months, then we will have to pay for it. 61

The most significant problems related to housing 35 Because of the large number of people in need of help, the issue of housing is on the agenda of a significant number of resettled women. Many Europeans have given shelter to Ukrainian women and their families in their homes. Support has also been given by charitable and public organizations, churches, even private companies. The main problem for Ukrainian forced migrants is their inability to rent housing in host countries because of its high cost and the small number of housing options available to them. It is worth noting that the wave of forced migrants has significantly affected the housing market in European countries, and in some regions housing prices have increased several times. 36 Very often, female respondents emphasized that tenants do not want to rent housing to Ukrainian women, because they have concerns about their financial security and the term of the lease, which may be indefinite. Respondents also quite often noted that foreigners do not want to rent apartments to women with children or families with pets. A significant problem has become the fact that in most European countries, free housing(local housing is compensated by the state) is provided only for three months. During this time, Ukrainian women do not have time to learn the language and find a job to be able to pay the rent. So many women are confused and don’t know what to do. Austria Belgium Bulgaria It’s too expensive, the money is running out, we have not received financial aid yet. Lack of a separate room. Social workers demand that we come to them every day, to check in; sometimes this is done in a rude manner. At the moment, I live with a local resident in an apartment where there is everything I need, there are no problems. However, in a month I will need to look for new housing. As I found out, the local organization no longer has housing for refugees, only accommodation in rooms in housing with locals, but even this takes time to search out and process. I have to find a place to rent, but in Austria it is rented out without furniture and so on, just an apartment, so in addition to the actual rent, there will be costs for furniture. Financial inability to rent housing(minimum financial income), the need for a deposit in the amount of three months’ rent, a contract for a year or more, the need to have a work contract, the lack of clarity of the rental process. There is no social housing here. Apartments are rented for a year, if you leave earlier there may be a big fine. The programme for accommodation in hotels is valid until 31 May, and it is not known whether it will be extended. The price for renting an apartment is from 700 euros per month. In any case, it is difficult to find. Locals don’t want to rent housing to Ukrainians. Four people are accommodated in a double room. Since June, the rent has been raised fourfold. Further accommodation is only at your own expense, but there is no money. 35 Positive cases are not included in this chapter. 36 Ukrainian refugee crisis seen pressuring Europe’s housing market; available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ukrainian-refugee-crisis-seen-pressuring-europes-housing-market-2022-04-12/ 62

United Kingdom Estonia Spain Italy The Netherlands The government pays sponsors(local residents who provide accommodation)£350 a month as a thank you for becoming sponsors. In general, there are no problems. According to the programme, housing is provided for six months, but our hosts allow us to live as long as we want. Everything is very good, everything is fast. I wrote a post – and after 10 minutes, future sponsors answered me. After 10 days, there was already a visa. The family is wonderful. They helped me with all the documents. Everything was done in a week. Sponsors receive 350 pounds per month for hosting Ukrainians. Strict attitude towards Ukrainians, people are not very happy to rent housing for an indefinite period, because Ukrainians may soon decide to return. Inflated prices, the impossibility of concluding a lease agreement without an employment contract, the impossibility of concluding a contract for a period of several months(minimum term of 1 year), and the need to make payment for the entire period of validity of the contract. It is expensive. When renting, they demand payment immediately for 3-6 months. They don’t want to rent to immigrants. The owners of the apartment refused to take money for communal services and apartment rent, but it is psychologically uncomfortable for me to live at someone else’s expense. If you receive social housing in Italy, a number of obligations are imposed on you. The first thing is that you have to stay every night in this accommodation. You cannot allow friends to stay the night, in general, you cannot invite many friends over. I think it is hardest for young people. Pets are also prohibited. That is, if I came with a cat or a dog, I would have to live with them outside, because even in a family it is difficult to get along with pets... I hope that I will be able to get a job at a university in a student town, and everything will be different there. We live with another family in a large 7-room apartment. The problem with housing is that more and more often owners, in order to have a guaranteed payment, began to ask for immediate payment for 6-8 months. Because they are afraid to rent housing to Ukrainians, especially those with children. According to the law, they will not be able to evict them, even if they stop paying rent. Ukrainians are not the first choice as tenants. Sometimes they ask payment for accommodation for six months, and this is a very large amount for displaced people. Funds for food have been withdrawn, and the rest is not enough for other needs – hygiene products and clothes. If there is an opportunity to choose between tenants, Ukrainians or Dutch – preference is given to the Dutch. 63

Germany Poland Portugal Czech Republic You need to look for housing yourself, the services of a realtor are equal to three months’ rent. Financial ability to pay for housing for a long period is checked; several applicants for one housing unit. There is no permanent housing, there are many refusals to rent apartments, they do not want to rent them to refugees. They don’t feed well us in the hostel, they have withdrawn a lot of money, and there is no way to cook for yourself. There was no furniture, I found everything myself and bought it at my own expense. No one wants to take Ukrainian families with children. If a landlord finds out that you have children, then he simply does not answer your calls. We moved into a completely empty house. They collected furniture and things from neighbours and sites. Somethings were given to us, somethings we bought... One bathroom for 10 people. There are few housing options in the city to rent. It’s expensive to rent. I live with strangers in the same room, there are not enough gas stoves(only two burners for 24 people), one stove for everyone. High cost of rent. They also want a deposit for the last month right away, I can’t afford it. There is no permanent housing, we have been through 15 apartments, five cities and one village. There were no problems with housing, but they are asking me to move out. And I can’t find free housing here in Krakow. I don’t have money to pay. And I don’t want to go to a village, because you won’t find work there at all. When the good will of benefactors ends, we will be on the street. We have nowhere to return to in Ukraine. I can’t imagine what we will do. I hope that by then at least the war will be over. Free housing is provided only for 3 months, then you need to pay rent every month. It is difficult to live with children in one room and share the kitchen with several other families. At the end of June, the term of our residence in social housing ends. Now I’ve started looking for an apartment for rent. It is difficult to find an apartment because, first of all, Brno is an industrial city, and before the war and the influx of Ukrainians, there were already problems with renting here. And secondly, they do not want to rent out to Ukrainians – Czechs say that they have bad experiences. Or when they hear that the child is 9 years old, they say that he will draw on the walls... 64

Romania Hungary Switzerland France Sweden Reluctance to rent apartments to Ukrainians due to a possible short stay and fear of non-payment of rent. Before that, we lived for two months in an apartment that we paid for with our own funds. Enquires were made about whether we could live for free, because there is a possibility that the landlord would receive compensation from the state. But the apartment did not belong to an individual, but to a company. According to the law, enterprises that own housing do not have the right to compensation from the state when Ukrainians are settled. It is difficult to find housing for rent, as one of the conditions is a long term stay, 6-12 months. I will look for free housing, or to live with someone, because the cost of the apartment is 500 euros plus utilities. Too expensive. Free housing, temporary, until June, then we will have to look for it. They gave us housing for one month, we don’t know what to do next. We will return to Ukraine. They don’t rent for an indefinite period or for a short period, mostly for six months or longer, you need to give a guarantee payment for a month. Renting is mostly done by agencies that take a commission. Free housing was provided en masse in the first months after the invasion by the Russian Federation; currently it is possible only in a center for refugees or in hostels. Mainly provided for families with small children. The apartment is too small for all of us, and it is expensive to rent a larger one. They also didn’t want to rent an apartment because I was pregnant. The cost is high, and the term of the lease is long, you need to sign a contract for at least one year. It is difficult to find an apartment, they do not want to rent housing to Ukrainian women with children. There are three families in one apartment. One family does not have its own room. It is almost impossible to rent a house on your own, they require a guarantor and payment for five months(first, last and three months’ deposit). The stay in the temporary camp has been prolonged, and it is not known when and where they will be resettled next. And will they provide housing at all, or do we have to look for it ourselves...? Housing cannot be rented without an official contract from the employer. To get a contract, you need to wait for all documents from the state (about 4 weeks from the moment of registration). 65

Slovakia The accommodation may soon expire as the charity provides accommodation on a temporary basis. We have one kitchen and one bathroom for 10 people. Four housewives in one kitchen... No one from the family has their own separate room, although we all had them before the war... It’s difficult to find a home due to the presence of an animal(a cat). In general, there are a lot of requirements for tenants. The apartment we found was without furniture, dishes, stove for cooking, bed linen. We had to search and buy it ourselves, local residents helped to some extent. A very small apartment. There is little space, a cramped, unfit place for living(corridor). The children sleep in the room, and my husband and I are in the corridor. It was cold in winter, and now it is uncomfortable because there is not enough space (my husband and I actually do not have personal space). I also feel a certain isolation, due to the fact that it is far to get to Bratislava. I can’t find a place to live. We live in an apartment on top of each other, I get only five hours’ sleep, because it’s a walk-through room. Many people in one room – 10 people. Now we pay for housing with funds sent from Ukraine by my husband. But the business remained in the territory not controlled by Ukraine, we do not receive any material assistance here, so the future scares us. We are ready to return to Ukraine. It’s hard to find accommodation with children. Many refusals, as soon as they hear that the family has a child or a disabled person. It is difficult to find housing for a large family. European countries solve the problem of providing housing for forced migrants in various ways: placing people in reception centres, compensatory payments to households receiving forced migrants, financial assistance for displaced persons, and so on(see Table 4). Photo. Volunteers distribute blankets and other items to refugees at the Ukrainian border. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 66

Country Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic NOTE Table 4. Housing schemes by host country, OECD and EU 37-38 Publicly-funded reception housing(type and duration) Compensation for private households/providers Assistance with the housing transition(including financial support) Yes(arrival centres No for short-term accommodation) Where BTPs access private housing, they receive rent support of EUR 150/month (individual) or EUR 300/ month(family) Yes(primarily private housing, though crisis accommodation is offered by municipalities as needed) No, though private households are allowed to enter into reasonable rental agreements with BTPs once they have income If all reception structures are completely full, BTPs have the right to social welfare allowance of EUR 1093.80 per month/single adult. Belgium also provides an installation allowance to help with buying furniture for BTPs in permanent personal accommodation Yes(temporary No accommodation options, primarily hotels, volunteers) Yes(a one-time social assistance payment in the amount of BGN 375 [EUR 192] is intended to help with housing taxes) Yes(BTP-specific HRK 3600(477 euros) per month – reception centre for first is paid to those offering individual 48 hours if necessary, then housing to those fleeing Ukraine. collective accommodation Expenses will be paid in the amount or private housing) of HRK 50 per day for a single person. For families, HRK 40 will be paid per day for the first family member, HRK 30 for the second, HRK 20 for the third, and HRK 10 for each member after that. Owners of housing units who provide accommodation will be reimbursed on the basis of lease agreements with the Ministry of the Interior Yes(temporary shelter for 30 days and hotels for up to 90 days) Amount received by households hosting refugees: CZK 3 000(EUR 120) per person accommodated in a given month for more than 16 consecutive days. Maximum of CZK 12 000(EUR 490) for 4 or more accommodated persons Housing allowance is provided after 90 days 37 Housing support for Ukrainian refugees in receiving countries; available at: https://www.oecd.org/ukraine-hub/policy-responses/housing-support-for-ukrainian-refugees-in-receiving-countries-9c2b4404/#component-d1e949 38 Source: National data from reporting countries; OECD(2022[7]), Rights and Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Receiving Countries; available at: https://doi.org/10.1787/09beb886-en. 67

Country Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Publicly-funded reception housing(type and duration) Compensation for private households/providers Assistance with the housing transition(including financial support) Yes(asylum centre or private housing) Possibility for municipalities to grant hosting household support of up to DKK 500(EUR 67) per day per refugee. Varies based on local government decision Decision is made by the municipality in charge of reception Yes(most are in temporary No accommodation provided by partners such as hotels and dormitories where they may reside for one month. Private sponsorship is an option but regular BTP reception centres have been avoided where possible.) One-time cash payment is available at the time of signing a rental agreement (originally six times the subsistence level for a family, but it is being revised). A municipal subsistence allowance should also partially cover housing costs Yes(reception centres or No private accommodation) No specific allowance, but BTPs receive the same reception allowance as asylum seekers, which varies based on their situation. They do not access the national housing allowance Yes: Step 1: emergency accommodation(1-2 nights) Step 2: transitory accommodation(hostels, gymnasium) Provided to households: Single person/couple(EUR 400 first month; EUR 200 additional months up to 4 months; EUR 125 beyond 4th month and up to 1 year; total EUR 2000 per year) With one child(EUR 600 first month; EUR 250 additional months up to 4 months; EUR 150 beyond 4th month and up to 1 year; total EUR 2550 per year) With 2 or more children(EUR 700 first month; EUR 300 additional months up to 4 months; EUR 150 beyond 4th month and up to 1 year; total EUR 2800 per year year) Yes(France has a multi-step housing system. Step 3 provides access to social housing, and BTPs receive personalised housing assistance. BTPs are entitled to the Asylum Seekers Allowance. The amount of the allowance depends on family composition. Amount of EUR 14.2/day for a single adult who does not receive accommodation from the State and EUR 6.8/day for a single adult in catered accommodation) Yes(reception centres for asylum seekers and centres set up specifically for BTPs from Ukraine) Varies based on decision by local government Migrants may find private housing or be accommodated by the federal states. BTPs receive asylum-seeker benefits until 1 June, from which point they will access the same support as refugees (approximately EUR 360 per individual per month), which may be used to cover rent and other housing costs. 68

Country Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Publicly-funded reception housing(type and duration) Yes(short-term and – long-term accommodation available) Compensation for private households/providers Yes(reception centres and No private housing) Yes(new reception centre, – at which temporary housing is allocated) Yes(hotels/guest houses) No Yes(reception centres or private households) Yes(reception centre/ private household) No The government covers expenses for accommodation services provided by municipalities(no more than EUR 20 per person per day) Benefits for sponsoring households of EUR 300 per month(upon application) Assistance with the housing transition(including financial support) Long-term accommodation is available. Relevant ministerial decision provides for the possibility to offer financial assistance. It will be available to beneficiaries, as soon as use of EU funding is approved. There is no specific housing aid, but job seekers may access a support subsidy of HUF 22 800= EUR 61 per month, and support subsidy for minors is HUF 13 700= EUR 37 per month per minor. Social financial assistance varies by municipality and whether a BTP has a rental agreement for housing (ranges from ISK 150 000 to 348 000[EUR 1085 to 2519] per month). A BTP who finds rental housing can apply for housing benefits, a loan for insurance, and home furnishings. BTPs renting on the private market may be eligible for housing assistance payments(HAP), a mainstream payment available to Irish nationals, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. Responsibility of municipalities Yes(transition from emergency housing is a municipal responsibility. A last resort lump-sum benefit is available in case of crisis(EUR 272 per adult and EUR 190 per child)) Other state benefits are available based on family situation 69

Country Publicly-funded reception housing(type and duration) Compensation for private households/providers Assistance with the housing transition(including financial support) Lithuania Yes(reception centre/ private household) Starts from second month of hosting and can last up to three months. EUR 150 per month for a hosted person and EUR 50 per month for each additional person hosted in the same place. Both natural and legal persons can claim these(owners of apartments or other premises such as hotels, sanatoriums, etc) Transition from emergency housing is responsibility of the municipality. A housing allowance is offered on same basis as Lithuanian nationals Monthly financial assistance for a single adult: EUR 129 if average income per person< EUR 141.90/month Luxembourg Yes(reception centre for No the first couple of days, then private housing) Grants or vouchers are available to cover accommodation. Malta Yes(reception centres for No asylum seekers, though most arrivals are staying with family members) Same per diem as asylum seekers: weekly rate of social assistance for 2022 is EUR 111.18 per person, additional payment of EUR 8.15 weekly for each additional member Netherlands Yes(reception centres for asylum seekers or specific temporary reception centres for BTPs/private household) No. BTPs may decide to contribute with their housing allowance Amount of the living allowance is approximatively EUR 260 per person per month. For BTPs in private reception, additional financial support specifically for housing EUR 215/month/ person, EUR 55 for minors/ person Norway Yes(reception centre) – In reception centres, Ukrainian refugees are paid a sum of NOK 859(EUR 87)/ month/adult. Additional amount for single parents up to NOK 456(EUR 46) and NOK 939(EUR 95) for children aged 0-17 with parent or companion Poland Yes(reception centres set up for BTPs/private homes) Maximum 60 days with extension possible in justified cases. Provision of accommodation and meals to Ukrainian citizens set at PLN 40 per person per day One-time support of PLN 300 (EUR 65) to cover basic needs, including housing Portugal Yes – – Romania Yes Yes(schools housing Ukrainians – receive a subsidy) 70

Country Slovak Republic Publicly-funded reception housing(type and duration) Compensation for private households/providers Yes(overnight stays in provisional tents, then transition to asylum centres and state accommodation facilities) EUR 7 per person per night of accommodation to a person with temporary protection over the age of 15; EUR 3.5 for such persons under the age of 15 Slovenia Yes(the majority of BTPs are accommodated in private accommodation, the rest of the beneficiaries are accommodated in reception centres) Rent or costs of accommodation may be covered by financial assistance to BTP Spain Yes(reception centres for No asylum seekers or centres set up specifically for BTPs) Sweden Yes(free housing No provided) Switzerland United Kingdom Yes(federal asylum centres for the first days, then BTPs are assigned to a canton, which takes care of accommodation. Also many reside in private households) Compensation amounts per BTP vary across cantons No(sponsorship programme) GBP 350(EUR 420) granted to families hosting Ukrainians for one year Assistance with the housing transition(including financial support) Allowances may be granted based on family situation, but BTPs do not have access to housing allowances within the system of assistance for those in material need BTPs accommodated in reception centres receive allowances. Those without income and who are accommodated in private housing may apply for general financial assistance and for financial assistance for private accommodation Rental assistance: – EUR 376 /month, for one person – EUR 489 /month, for a family of 2; – Up to EUR 780 per month, for a family of 8 or more; – There is also an allowance to help with a rental deposit and real estate agency services Asylum-seeker allowance is based on whether food is included with accommodation or not(SEK 24/day(EUR 2.30) versus SEK 71/day(EUR 6.90) for a single adult, SEK 19/day (versus SEK 61/day per person a couple; SEK 12/ day versus SEK 37/day for children)) Yes(canton authorities are responsible for accommodation. Financial support per BTP varies across cantons and depending on size of household) Access to public funds based on individual or family needs at local level 71

Most countries have centralized systems for accommodating newly arriving forced migrants in short-term housing or reception centres. However, when it comes to coordinating relocation from temporary to longterm housing, similar to the general provision of social housing, coordination responsibility often rests with municipalities or regions. This happens, for example, in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland. Italy coordinates housing through a regional‘interest’ system that relies on voluntary, religious and non-governmental organizations across the country. Regional commissioners coordinate the opening of available housing according to territorial needs. Municipalities are fully involved in the process and participate in covering costs after signing a partnership agreement with the national government. 39 In Sweden, a new law entered into force on 1 July 2022, which aims to better distribute responsibility for housing arrangements between the Swedish Migration Agency and municipalities. In France, a coordination system was created to organize offers and ensure full visibility of available accommodation options. In Estonia, local authorities support the accommodation of forced migrants from Ukraine, but the national government has created information exchange platforms to ensure cooperation. At the beginning of the mobilization of European countries’ citizens to support forced migrants from Ukraine, many potential sponsors tried to offer housing to new arrivals, but did not have reliable tools for this. In the absence of government-funded solutions, they have emerged through the active efforts of civil society. For example, on 3 March, two American college students launched Ukraine Take Shelter, 40 and by 20 March, the site had 25,000 pages. The German religious organization Churchpool has developed a similar site called Host4Ukraine. 41 There are also corporate solutions: Shelter4Ukraine 42 and UnterkunftUkraine. 43 Perhaps the most notable online tool developed at the start of the crisis was Airbnb’s non-profit arm, Airbnb.org, which offered free or subsidized housing to 100,000 Ukrainians traveling to Europe. 44 Ukrainians who received housing through the platform were promised free housing for 14 days. Photo. A Ukrainian refugee mother with her child crosses the border. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 39 Housing support for Ukrainian refugees in receiving countries; available at: https://www.oecd.org/ukraine-hub/policy-responses/housing-support-for-ukrainian-refugees-in-receiving-countries-9c2b4404/#tablegrp-d1e287 40 https://www.ukrainetakeshelter.com/ 41 https://host4ukraine.com/ 42 https://www.ukraineshelter.com/ 43 https://unterkunft-ukraine.de/ 44 https://uk.airbnb.org/help-ukraine?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1659880693_NmY2MzZiYTczMjdm 72

It is important to note that long-term government programmes aimed at solving the problem of providing housing for forced migrants from Ukraine are currently still emerging. 45 Some vulnerable groups of people, including those with health problems or with disabilities, may receive special housing support. However, despite political will and civil society involvement, such solutions are not always available. For example, Austria has reported difficulties in finding suitable housing and care facilities for people with physical or mental disabilities and those requiring specialized medical care(including cancer patients). Germany has faced difficulties in finding housing for entire orphanages or homes for the elderly. And, for example, Lithuania has included information on disability in its statistical database, which is used to track forced migrants by place of resettlement. Local voluntary and non-governmental organizations in Ireland, Luxembourg and Poland play a key role in helping Ukrainian families who take care of family members with disabilities to find suitable housing or participate in background checks on host families who have provided housing for Ukrainians. 46 45 Ścigaj: Rząd planuje niedrogie mieszkania komunalne dla uchodźców z Ukrainy; available at: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Scigaj-Rzad-planuje-niedrogie-mieszkania-komunalne-dla-uchodzcow-z-Ukrainy-8370776.html 46 A crisis on the horizon: Ensuring affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Policy Briefs; available at: https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/view/?ref=1097_1097440-qo191dwjy2&title=A-crisis-on-the-horizon 73

FINANCIAL SITUATION OF FORCED MIGRANT WOMEN AND MEETING BASIC NEEDS Financial aid received by forced migrants in host countries As a result of the war, the vast majority of forced migrant women lost their jobs, businesses and other sources of income to support themselves and their families. Therefore, financial aid from state institutions, international and charitable organizations has become an important and often the only source of income for Ukrainian women abroad. Some 78.1 per cent of female respondents receive financial aid in one form or another. Figure 21. What financial aid do you receive in the host country?(%) Payments and humanitarian aid 39% State-funded monetary aid Humanitarian aid: food supplies and basic necessities I receive no aid 24.5% 14.65% 12.7% It is hard to tell 1% Other 8.2% In their answers to the open questions, the respondents specified the amount, type of assistance and sources. 20 euros per week. 300 euros as one-off support and 500 euros per child. 55 euros per month. 80 euros per month. Vouchers for purchasing products, aid from the Red Cross. Payments from the Red Cross. Payments from the UN, food. Payments from the Red Cross(€110 per person). I receive monetary aid, and I used to receive humanitarian aid, but for the last month it was not provided. Humanitarian food and financial aid from the UN. A lump sum payment of£200 and then you apply for childcare benefit and you also apply for personal benefit if you’re not working. The amount is calculated for each individual case. Financial aid and a discount on groceries and 50 per cent on clothes in second-hand stores, but the quality is very poor, especially of the discounted food. 200 francs per month, housing, free mobile communication, free language courses. Furniture for the apartment was donated by local residents. 74

Cash payments of about 1,500 francs, from which language courses and insurance are deducted, all together that makes about 500 francs. I received 300 zlotys one-off, and I also received it for the children 3 months in a row. I receive my pension on a Ukrainian card. I am paid for the work I do in the host country(cleaning the homes of local residents). I’m an English teacher, so after I moved, I continued my activities online. However, I had to leave school due to active hostilities, so I teach private English lessons. Since I stopped claiming payments from the Portuguese state, I feel free. Respondents’ assessment of their financial situation Migration has worsened the financial situation of almost all Ukrainian women who were forced to leave their homeland. As part of this research, it was important for us to record how much the financial situations of female respondents have changed, and to estimate the number of people whose incomes are critically low. It is important to note that traditional approaches to assessing people’s financial situation are difficult to apply to the Ukrainian migrants. Women who have survived the war continue to be in a state of stress for some time, which is aggravated by moving to a country with an unfamiliar lifestyle, norms and legal regulations. State financial aid is often not issued immediately, but several months after going through the necessary bureaucratic procedures. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the mechanisms for obtaining aid in a foreign country. In all European countries, displaced women receive assistance with housing, food and basic necessities. Thus, the respondents’ assessment of their financial situation is influenced by the length of their stay in a certain country, the level of understanding of the mechanisms for receiving aid, and employment status. The answer‘I do not have enough money even for food’ may mean that the person has recently arrived in the country, does not have money to buy food, but receives it free from local municipal authorities or charities. The same applies to other answer options; they cannot be interpreted in the same way as in ordinary sociological research, in peacetime. Figure 22. How do you assess your financial situation?(%) Analysis of respondents’ assessment I have enough money only for food I do not have enough money even for food of their financial situation by country of residence shows that in some countries the share of women among the respondents who do not have 35.8% 12.3% 4.6% 0.4% I can make savings enough money even for food is more than 30 per cent. These countries I can buy luxury items include Spain and France(Table 5). There are also countries in which female respondents can save money: 46.9% France, Italy and the Czech Republic have the highest percentages of such I have enough money for necessities female respondents. Thus, in general it is difficult to describe the real situation as the migrants’ level of life depends on such factors as financial situation before the war, savings, real estate ownership in the host country, employment status and so on, more than on financial aid mechanisms implemented by each particular country. 75

Table 5. Assessment of financial situation by country of residence(selective)(%) Country Austria Bulgaria Spain Italy Germany Poland Romania Slovakia France Czech Republic Sweden By country I have enough money for necessities 10.0% 35.7% 16.1% 5.5% 8.8% 11.8% 14.6% 31.0% 5.2% 26.7% 12.3% How do you assess your financial situation? I have enough money only for food I do not have enough money even for food I can make savings I can buy luxury items 33.3% 53.3% 3.3% 58.1% 41.9% 38.1% 26.2% 35.5% 38.7% 9.7% 27.5% 64.2% 2.8% 37.6% 48.1% 4.4% 1.1% 32.9% 50.6% 4.7% 36.2% 46.5% 2.8% 31.0% 27.6% 10.3% 40.0% 49.6% 5.2% 53.3% 20.0% 35.8% 46.9% 4.6% 0.4% Total by country 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Respondents’ employment status is closely related to their assessment of their financial situation(Table 6). Thus, those interviewed who have a job in the host country are better off than those who are looking for one. Almost 70 per cent of respondents who have a job answered that they have enough money for extra things or can save. Table 6. Comparison of respondents’ answers to the questions‘Do you have a job in the host country?’ and‘How do you assess your financial situation at this time?’(%) Do you have a job in the host country? No, I do not have the need or possibility to look for a job No, I am looking for a job Yes Total I have enough money for necessities 10.50% How do you assess your financial situation? I have enough money only for food I do not have enough money even for food I can make savings I can buy luxury items 29.20% 54.50% 5.50% 0.20% Total by country 100.00% 14.90% 9.90% 12.30% 46.80% 22.40% 35.80% 36.90% 54.70% 46.90% 1.40% 11.20% 4.60% 1.90% 0.40% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 76

ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES MADE AVAILABLE TO FORCED MIGRANT UKRAINIAN WOMEN Scope of information about available social services Benefits, preferences and assistance that European countries offer to forced migrants from Ukraine are diverse. However, in order to use all or the most needed existing options, potential beneficiaries must be informed about them. That is why the level of awareness of forced migrants about possible types of assistance is no less important than the content of the overall assistance package for Ukrainians. More than a third of female respondents(36.8 per cent) believe that they do not receive enough information about social services in the host country or cannot decide on the answer to this question. However, 63.2 per cent of female respondents believe that they receive all the necessary information in a sufficient amount. In our opinion, this is a good indicator, which is provided by the informational efforts of state institutions of European countries, efficient use of social networks and other Internet resources and communication channels by the respondents. Figure 23. Do you receive enough information about social benefits?(%) 63.2% I receive necessary information from officials, volunteers, locals and online resources 29.4% I do not receive enough information 7.4% It is hard to tell Photo. Volunteers helping refugees arriving at the main train station – Wroclaw, Poland, 3 March 2022. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ Benefits and aid that European countries offer to forced migrants from Ukraine are diverse. In order to use opportunities provided, potential beneficiaries must be informed about them European countries in which more than 30 per cent of female respondents do not receive enough information about available social services include Spain, Germany, Slovakia, France and Sweden(Table 7). Country Austria Bulgaria Spain Italy Germany Poland Romania Slovakia Table 7. Obtaining reliable information about available social services by country(selectively)(%) I receive necessary information from officials, volunteers, locals and online resources 70% 87% 45% 61% 60% 72% 73% 54% I do not receive enough information 13% 13% 45% 29% 39% 19% 18% 35% Hard to tell 17% 10% 10% 2% 9% 9% 11% Total by country 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 77

Country France Czech Republic Sweden Total I receive necessary information from officials, volunteers, locals and online resources 48% 68% 47% 63% I do not receive enough information 35% 28% 47% 29% Hard to tell 17% 4% 7% 7% Total by country 100% 100% 100% 100% Comparing respondents’ answers to the questions regarding the assessment of their financial situation and of the adequacy of information about available social services, we can see that 51 per cent who do not have enough money even for food do not receive enough information about available social services (Table 8). We can assume that these two indicators also have a mutual influence on each other: some people, in fact, do not receive assistance in full due to a lack of information, and some believe that the reason for their insufficient material circumstances is the lack of information, which allegedly is‘hidden’. Table 8. Comparison of answers to the questions‘Do you get the necessary information about available social services in sufficient volume?’ and‘How do you assess your financial situation at this time?’(%) Answers I do not have enough money even for food supplies I have enough money only for food supplies I have enough money only for basic necessities I am able to save money I can buy expensive things and luxury items Total I do not receive enough information 50.8% 35.0% 20.6% 21.3% 0% 29.4% I receive necessary information from officials, volunteers, locals and online resources 41.3% 57.6% 72.7% 70.2% 25.0% 63.2% Hard to tell 7.9% 7.4% 6.7% 8.5% 75.0% 7.4% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Problems with access to information in the host country Those respondents who answered this question emphasized the problems of access to information. They are caused, first, by the fact that official information is published purely in the language of the host country; correspondence with municipal authorities is also done in the language of the country, so lack of the language skills hinders access to information. Secondly, many people noted that there is no single source of information for forced migrants from Ukraine. That is, they have to look for answers to their questions via numerous internet resources, from social networks and messenger sites, where information may not be reliable. Thirdly, the representatives of state bodies themselves do not fully possess the necessary information. These remarks are followed by respondents’ suggestions regarding the creation of a single information resource with up-to-date information in the Ukrainian language covering the initiatives and policies of European countries, social packages, and so on. 78

Austria Belgium Bulgaria United Kingdom Estonia Spain Italy Information is not structured, many different sources, information is presented in many different ways. Different organizations have different information; it takes a lot of time to find out what is relevant. There is no single center where you can read all the information. The language barrier is also an obstacle. Very confusing process, I barely understand the sequence of what has to be done. Information is not widely distributed, you have to search on the internet. I would like more information on official resources. It is difficult to find information about any kind of humanitarian aid; we only learned from other migrants that, for example, the Red Cross provides financial aid. There is no information about aid(both financial and humanitarian) at all, there are not even groups where you can read about it. I receive information, but I can’t understand whether I have read everything or if I am missing something important or interesting. In addition, I did not know whether I was eligible to apply for financial assistance. And it turned out that you can apply at the place of immigrant registration. It seemed as if they were deliberately withholding information so that not everyone would apply for financial assistance. Unfortunately, the registration center does not provide complete information. I had to find out everything about financial assistance on my own. The members of active groups on Facebook are very helpful, for which special thanks go to them. I don’t know how to find language courses, how to find qualified medical care if I am not satisfied with the prescribed treatment plan. There is little information on the internet about the region of Valencia, and not knowing the language makes it impossible to communicate with authorities and local governments. Officials in different institutions provide different information on the same issues. Lack of access to information on what refugees from Ukraine need to do on the territory of Italy. I don’t get enough information, because there is no centralized distribution of it here. There is no information anywhere, even in the municipalities. You have to spend a lot of time to learn something. 79

Netherlands Germany Finland Poland Romania Hungary We are not given any information in general in the country. Local authorities do not respond to appeals. It’s hard to make a phone call, letters are not answered. I get information exclusively from the chat of migrants on Telegram. Information is provided only upon request, nothing is explained; for example, we do not even know what kind of documents we are signing. Unknown algorithm, what to do with insurance and after receiving it. It would be better if there were booklets like“If you get sick...”,“If a child gets sick...”. There is no information available, we do not know our rights. I learned that there should be unemployment benefits, but to whom and how it is provided, no one knows. In general, I would like to have one single site with information on how to apply for assistance, where to get discounted products, where there are children’s rooms, leisure clubs; how to return to Ukraine, etc. Volunteers do not know anything and it is very difficult to get information (what to apply for, where to do it, paid housing or not, where to apply for assistance, etc.). Lack of information about help to live in the country, all the help only comes from people who volunteered to help. We cannot find information about doctors to treat disabled people. There is no clear understanding of what we can count on. Paid or free doctor’s services and medicines for the disabled. Most of the information is provided only in Polish. The local government accepts and approves something, but does not inform us about it. I don’t know, for example, how to make an appointment with a doctor, if such a need arises. All information is mainly obtained from Telegram channels and Facebook communities of Ukrainians. A lot of fake information and not enough official information. Information is unstructured and usually comes from unofficial sources. I wish there was more information from official sources, now it’s only social networks. I don’t know where to look for information. There is no single portal where I can find out everything, or a phone line. There is no resource where you can find information, including about medical services, you can only search independently on social networks. It takes a long time. I don’t know where to get information, there isn’t much of it, except for Facebook groups, but there is no accurate information there, I don’t know what my rights are in this country, how to get medical help. 80

Czech Republic France Switzerland Sweden Slovakia There is no single source of information. And even if you turn specifically to certain organizations, they always say different things. Laws often change, sometimes the period of entry into force of the law (transportation, education, housing, benefits) is not clear. There is no single information site that describes all the information about Ukrainians’ staying in the Czech Republic. Laws often change, the terms of validity of some benefits are unclear. No information is received from official sources(institutions, organizations, city hall, employment center). There is no information about social services. Tax, migration and municipal employees are very vague. Their colleagues in neighbouring windows provide different information on the same question. Lack of English/Ukrainian translation of a number of state websites. It is problematic to obtain comprehensive information about the local legal framework. There is no list of medical services covered by the insurance. The information is scattered. It is necessary to combine all the information, especially since different cities have different rules. Searching for news and updates by group takes a lot of time. Free access to museum services is not clearly structured anywhere, you have to ask every time. I was not informed about the availability of language courses, about a change in the conditions for receiving financial assistance from the UN. I found out about the conditions for receiving cash payments by chance from acquaintances; I did not receive any official information from state institutions or volunteers. Information from the coordinators of the shelter(hotel) is provided late, selectively, and incompletely. I look for information on my own on the internet and at volunteer centres. The labour authorities have not resolved the issue of why I did not receive assistance for April. And I don’t know how to solve this issue. To find out any information, you need to spend a lot of time, register in all groups in social networks and messenger sites, or find out from Ukrainian women who are already here. I do not know what the information resources in the host country are: the conditions of stay in the country, the specifics of the provision of medical services, the conditions for opening a bank account. Due to my age, it is very difficult to quickly navigate social networks and receive information. The rules for issuing social assistance are constantly changing, there is no complete information about it, there is not enough information about children’s development classes. 81

Karina, Brno, expert, sociologist: In practically all countries there are problems with providing the information displaced women need. For example, upon arrival in the Netherlands, a person generally does not know which official institution to apply to in order to register. Even local residents are aware of this problem for Ukrainians, and, understanding this, they support them. There is no memo(booklet, etc.) that clearly describes the steps needed to solve certain needs: registration of status, work, social benefits, etc. Nataliya, Vienna, expert, lawyer: In Austria, the provision of information to forced migrant women is very good. There is an official website and other sources where everything is described in detail, which institution to turn to and for what reason. Katalin, volunteer at the organization‘Ukrainian Initiatives of South Moravia’, Czech Republic: I help forced migrant women from Ukraine both as a representative of the organization, as a volunteer, and as a private person. As a volunteer, I witnessed that Ukrainian women literally understood nothing regarding what further actions they needed to take. There was too much credulity, too high expectations from the state, volunteers, and the Czech people, they just could not navigate in the new environment on their own. It is important to note that many countries and regions of Europe have created information resources that contain comprehensive information for forced migrants from Ukraine. It includes a description of what they need to do to solve urgent problems in Ukrainian. One example is the online service of the Rhône départment in France. 47 The grievances of displaced women concerning the lack of information can be explained not only by the insufficient number of relevant official sites, but also by technical problems. In particular, we assume that technical developers of European countries’ official websites should pay more attention to search engine optimization(SEO), also aimed at Ukrainian-speaking content consumers. 48 Photo. Ukrainian forced migrant women find support at the Regional Assistance Centre for Ukraine in Brno, Czech Republic 47 Les services de l’État dans le Rhône. UKRAINE: Protection temporaire des ressortissants ukrainiens; available at: https://www.rhone.gouv.fr/Actualites/UKRAINE-Protection-temporaire-des-ressortissants-ukrainiens-FR 48 SEO in Ukraine – Things You Need to Know; available at: https://delante.co/seo-in-ukraine/ 82

Photo. First aid point at the Information and Support Center for the displaced in Bratislava, Slovakia Photo. Krakow, Poland – March 12, 2022: Ukrainian refugees stand in line at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Krakow. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 83

Experience of using medical care(services) in the host country Some 37.6 per cent of female respondents received the necessary medical assistance(services). Another 13 per cent did not receive it in full(Figure 24) while 2.8 per cent of respondents reported that they do not have access to necessary medical procedures. Figure 24. Experience regarding medical care(services) in the host country(%) Problems related to medical care Ukrainian women note that they cannot get access to therapists and I did not need any medical help (services) 46.6% specialists. They have to wait for an appointment for half a year or even longer. It is difficult to get medicines; I received the medical help(services) I needed 37.6% many[especially of those in free I was not able to receive medical help access in Ukraine] are provided only (services) to the extent I needed 13% by prescription, while the long waiting time(sometimes months) for the appointment with the doctor is a I cannot obtain medical help(services) 2.8% problem. Respondents also said that medicines are expensive and not all are covered by insurance. Certain services are not covered by national programs of free healthcare for the displaced, for example, dental services, so respondents do not seek help because they are unable to pay for the service. Austria Belgium United Kingdom Estonia Spain It is difficult to find the right specialist. After the third failure, I gave up and I can’t stand it all mentally. Long waiting times. Long queues for particular specialists. There is a language barrier, there is a constant need to involve an interpreter. The child has flux – teeth need to be pulled out, they made an appointment a month ahead(this is a very long time for a child). Long queues at the doctor, there is no doctor–patient contact. No one explained what my son’s diagnosis was, what the results of the examination were. They only prescribed medicine. I can’t solve the problems related to a chronic disease, because I couldn’t find a free family doctor to give a referral to a specialist. I needed to have an ultrasound scan, but the specialist’s appointment was a month later. The private clinic replied that it is possible to do it only after an examination by a therapist and a gynaecologist, whose services I have to pay for. Therefore, I have to wait more than a month to have an ultrasound, but at this time I have period pains and do not have the opportunity to receive treatment. It takes a very long time to make an oncology appointment for my husband. You have to wait a long time for examination and surgery, and the illness does not wait. 84

Italy Netherlands Germany France Poland Romania Czech Republic I barely found a dentist. These services are insanely expensive. According to the prescriptions, some of the medicines were free, some we paid for, and medicines in Italy are quite expensive. It is possible to visit a doctor only in an emergency – that’s all. There is no paediatrician in the city where I live. As I do not speak German and could not explain the problem to the doctor, I was waiting for too long doing nothing, which led to severe pain and I had to call an ambulance. When the child got sick, no one wanted to treat her until she ended up in the intensive care unit. My problem was partially solved. We had to sit by the office all day to get a prescription for medication for allergies, and with other problems they said to come back another day. Waiting time for an appointment to visit a doctor free of charge is too long. If it’s urgent, you need to pay. Difficult to obtain quick access to free medicine. If someone’s temperature has risen, it is impossible to get to the doctor quickly, you have to make an appointment, and the queues are huge, an appointment is a few weeks away. The situation is the same with an ultrasound. Paid medical services, very expensive. I applied to the medical center for dentistry, which was mentioned in the brochure(distributed to us) with lists of medical institutions that provide assistance to Ukrainians free of charge. Part of my tooth broke off, I turned to them for a consultation. I wanted to understand whether it is possible to save the tooth, what needs to be done. They treated me very rudely. I refused their services. I couldn’t get an appointment with a doctor of a narrow specialization, they were sending me back and forth, they don’t want to deal with Ukrainians. It was necessary to do tests. When it was done, I was told that I have to pay and the amount was enormous for me. When applying to a dental clinic, services are provided only on a paid basis – and they are very expensive. During the treatment in the hospital, medicines and necessary procedures were not provided, the medicine had to be paid for. In Prague, it is impossible to make an appointment with a children’s orthodontist. This is indeed a problem. Private ones are very expensive. The doctor said there would be a discount on the medicine(because there is insurance), but the pharmacy said there is no discount because insurance does not cover it. It turned out that they cheated at the pharmacy. The waiting time for a doctor's appointment is too long, it is difficult to find a specialist, and all family doctors are fully booked. It is difficult to get to a specialist, there are few of them, you also have to make a research beforehand. I can’t get my child vaccinated. 85

Sweden Slovakia Hungary It is impossible to buy medicine without a prescription, and a prescription is issued only in case of extreme necessity. Bronchitis is treated with warm water and lemons. I don’t know who to turn to for free care for a chronic illness, not for emergency care. The child has a temporary filling, at the moment there is no possibility to make a permanent one, it is very expensive, we cannot afford it yet. There is a long line to see a doctor(six months in advance), there is no way to find a doctor urgently. Insurance for people with temporary stay status does not cover chronic diseases. A very long queue at the emergency room(more than four hours waiting time), a long waiting period for an appointment, the high cost of medicines, they did not mention there was a way to get a prescription for free. There was a problem – my disabled mother broke her glasses, and we could not get new ones prescribed, we could not register her as a disabled person. It is also difficult to solve the issue of measuring blood pressure and blood sugar level. Expensive medical care. The first meeting is free, subsequent ones are not and they are expensive. There are no free medical services. Karina, Brno, sociologist: Many migrants need psychiatric, not psychological help. However, local specialists do not speak Ukrainian or Russian. And doctors from Ukraine, who are also forced migrants, are not allowed to work even on a volunteer basis, because they need to go through procedures for confirming diplomas, etc. Lyudmila, Barcelona, ​R​ ed Cross worker: Women who arrive in Barcelona as a result of the war in Ukraine and give birth here in Spain have neither the means to live nor the means to buy anything to eat due to the difficult financial situation. But at the same time, the consulate of Ukraine in Barcelona demands that they pay all fees related to the issuance of documents at the birth of a child, passports that they lost during the war etc... European countries are struggling to help these refugees and Ukrainian consulates collect fees from refugees from Kharkiv, Bucha... But these people cannot pay. Therefore, they cannot get documents to register themselves and their children. Women with children in Barcelona are under the protection of the Red Cross. There are those who used to live in Spain, then they returned to Ukraine and lived there for a long time, and with the beginning of the war they returned to Spain again, and now they live in hotels under protection. Some begin to abuse alcohol, and the question of protecting their minor children arises. Because Spain has its own laws: if a parent behaves like this, the appropriate documents are signed – and a parent must undergo forced treatment. However, if they refuse, any help from the state is taken away. That is, they end up on the street, and no one knows what their future fate will be. These women, as well as those who have psychological breakdowns, who have experienced so much and are now suffering from other conditions, need psychological help. It is worth organizing aid centres that enrol Ukrainian-speaking psychologists. Oksana, Bratislava, expert, psychologist: Practically all forced migrant women need psychological help, even those who deny it. 86

Satisfaction of cultural needs Some of the female respondents, in their answers to open-ended questions, indicate that their cultural needs are not being adequately addressed. We need the help of public organizations established in Spain to help and unify Ukrainians. Educational and cultural events for children, women, family meetings(museums, exhibitions, thematic meetings, etc.) are needed. Museum tickets[in France] are quite expensive, in particular, to the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts. At first, I looked on their website for special offers or discounts for forced migrants or refugees – I did not find any. I wrote a letter to the administration in which I said that I’m a forced migrant from Ukraine and I really want to visit their museum. However, the answer indicated that there are no discounts. So one day, being near the museum, caught between feeling hungry and my desire to visit the exhibition, the feeling of hunger won out. I felt both shame and pity, including pity about the fact that there are no special offers(at least ticket discounts) for forced migrants. After all, we are not tourists, and we do not have a budget for entertainment. However, we do have a desire for culture and education, which is difficult to satisfy when even basic needs are not satisfied. That is why I consider it necessary to establish cooperation between the Ukrainian diaspora in cities in different countries, Ukrainian associations, organizations from Ukraine and cultural bodies and institutions abroad. Together, they can develop effective solutions that will help a large number of Ukrainians in European countries to see and hear works of world art and get to know the local culture and the work of local artists better. We could not visit museums in Wroclaw because of the high cost of tickets. And in general, we were shocked by the rise in prices in Poland. In Ukraine, people had always heard that Polish facilities were better quality but at lower(or almost the same as Ukrainian) prices. But this year we see very high prices for almost everything. The possibility of visiting museums, concerts, and other cultural and artistic events is one form of psychological therapy, relieving stress caused by war, and with the discomfort of forced adaptation to new realities in an unfamiliar country. Photo. Concert of solidarity with Ukraine, organized by displaced women and their children 87

Problems related to keeping pets Around 75.3 per cent of respondents answered that they do not keep pets, 20.2 per cent answered that they had encountered no problems with the rules on keeping pets, but 4.5 per cent stated that there had been problems. In the answers to the open questions, female respondents noted, first of all, problems with finding housing. Many local residents, as well as the administrations of hotels and hostels refuse to rent out housing to families with pets. Respondents also noted that in some countries, veterinary services are too expensive. A family refused to host us because of a dog. It was very difficult to find accommodation with a dog. It was difficult to find housing with a cat. Many people rent out housing, only without pets. Some home owners demand that animals(cats) are kept in a separate cage. It is much more difficult to rent an apartment with animals; we were refused in several places, and because of the animal we were given a much worse room in the hotel than we could rent for this money; before that we were refused in several hotels. Lack of information about the conditions for keeping pets in the host country: necessary vaccinations, chipping, taxes... It is worth noting that there were also positive remarks about help that people had received. Photo. Isaccea, Romania. March 5, 2022. After crossing the border, Ukrainian refugees walk to the Romanian city of Isaccea. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ I have two cats and a dog, but there were no problems. Even in the hotel, where we lived for free, we were given a room with a separate entrance to the yard, so that we could easily go out with the dog for walks. In Poland, vaccinations were done, chipping, another carrier for cats was provided(because both were cramped in one), food was provided. There were no problems, they even gave us food for the animals. They helped with a chip for my pet here, friends bought food. None! Our dog is welcome everywhere, and she was also able to fly on the plane for free. The dog was sick, we contacted the Sloboda Zviryat clinic, and they provided us with the best possible services. Very satisfied. In general, the issue of domestic animals for forced migrants is new to European countries, because in the past asylum seekers did not usually travel with animals. The European Union has eased administrative requirements for pets arriving from Ukraine. The experience of Finland can be considered one of the best practices. A pet reception center was created for forced migrants who are not staying in private housing, but arrived with animals. Animals can be quarantined for the necessary 30 days and receive veterinary treatment. 49 49 Assistance to Ukrainians in Finland. Pets; available at: https://ukrainians-in-finland.org/a2b1e05872054abbbf30128b4df5fb91 88

Photo. Lviv, Ukraine- March 24, 2022: Ukrainian refugees from Mariupol wait for a train to flee to Europe at Lviv train station. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ Photo. Ukrainians do not leave their animals. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 89

EMPLOYMENT OF DISPLACED PERSONS AND WORK-RELATED ISSUES Employment of forced migrant women in countries of temporary stay Employment is one of the key factors in the socio-economic integration of forced migrant women in a new country. It can be assumed with high probability that people unable to find a job will eventually decide to leave a country of temporary stay. According to the results of our research, 15.7 per cent of respondents have a job in their country of residence, 43.4 per cent are looking for one, and 40.1 per cent either do not need a job or do not have the opportunity to work(among other reasons because they undertake care work for dependants). Figure 25. Do you have a job in the host country?(%) Comparing respondents’ answers to Yes two questions –‘Do you have a job in the host country?’ and‘How do you 15.7% assess your financial situation at this time?’ – we can see that in the group 43.4% of those who do not have enough money even for food, 52.4 per cent are looking for work, another 35 per cent have no need(opportunity) to search for work and 12.7 per cent are working (Table 9). In the group of female No, I do not have the need or possibility to look for a job 40.9% No, I am looking for a job respondents who only have enough money for food, 56.8 per cent are looking for work and 33.3 per cent have no need(opportunity) to work. Among respondents who answered that they can save, 38.3 per cent work in the country of temporary stay, and 49 per cent do not have such a need(opportunity). In the group of respondents who can buy luxury items, 75 per cent have a job and 25 per cent have no need(opportunity) to work. Table 9. Comparison of answers to the question‘Do you have a job in the host country?’ with those to‘How do you assess your financial situation at this time?’(%) How do you assess your financial situation? I do not have enough money even for food supplies I have enough money only for food supplies I have enough money only for basic necessities I am able to save money I can buy expensive things and luxury items Total Do you have a job in the host country? No, I do not have the No, I am looking need or possibility to for a job Yes look for a job 34.9% 52.4% 12.7% 33.3% 47.5% 56.8% 34.2% 9.8% 18.3% 48.9% 25.00% 40.9% 12.8% 0% 43.4% 38.3% 75.00% 15.7% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90

Comparing respondents’ answers to two questions –‘Do you have a job in the host country?’ and‘How long do you plan to stay in this country?’ – it can be seen that the largest share of those who have a job in the host country comprises respondents who plan to stay in the country until the expiry of their temporary residence permit and among those who want to remain in this country, at 28.9 and 23.0 per cent, respectively. If you add up the proportions of those who have a job and those who are looking for one, the largest share is found in the group of female respondents who want to stay in the country, namely 79.8 per cent. Table 10. Comparison of female respondents’ answers to the question‘Do you have a job in the host country?’ and‘How long do you plan to stay in this country?’(%) How long do you plan to stay in this country? Until my temporary residence permit expires I can’t answer I plan to live in this country for some time and return to Ukraine after the end of hostilities While the 90/180 visa-free conditions are in effect (90-day permit to stay in EU countries) I want to return to Ukraine in the near future I want to stay and live in this country, if I have the opportunity I am planning to move to another European country in the near future I plan to emigrate to another country outside Europe Total Do you have a job in the host country? No, I do not have the No, I am need or possibility looking for Yes to look for a job a job 34.2% 36.8% 28.9% 29.0% 57.0% 14.0% 40.4% 44.5% 15.1% 61.5% 23.1% 15.4% 60.3% 20.1% 28.3% 56.8% 11.4% 23.0% 65.2% 26.1% 8.7% 50.0% 36.4% 13.6% 40.9% 43.4% 15.7% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% In June 2022, the European Commission presented recommendations aimed at helping forced migrants from Ukraine get jobs and education. 50 In particular, the EC recommends that the EU Member States: – ensure that people’s skills and qualifications can be assessed and quickly recognized, regardless of the availability of relevant documents; – work with educational institutions, social partners and the private sector to ensure that these opportunities match labour market needs and skills gaps; – ensure quick access to initial professional and technical education and explore the possibilities of continuing education for Ukrainian students; – create opportunities for adults fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to receive a general education, as well as to attend higher educational institutions. 50 Guidance to help people fleeing war to access jobs; available at: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_3620 91

The European Commission has made a number of tools available in Ukrainian on the Europass platform. 51 It will help Ukrainian-speaking users to create resumés, test their digital skills, submit applications and find job and study offers in the EU. An example of the practical implementation of these recommendations is the Italian government’s decision according to which doctors, nurses and all medical workers who arrived in the country from Ukraine after the start of the war on 24 February 2022 will be able to work in Italy until 4 March 2023, unobstructed by procedures for recognition of qualifications. 52 In France, medical workers(doctors, dental surgeons and midwives) and pharmacists relocated from Ukraine will be able to work in their professions in accordance with the relevant professional rules. The Minister of Health issued a letter in this regard, in which he informed the directors of institutions and the chairs of committees about procedures. Interested persons can obtain a temporary permit to engage in professional activities from the heads of regional health care institutions at their place of residence and be hired by mutual consent at a health care institution or medical and social institution. Also, mid-level medical workers relocated from Ukraine may be involved in medical work. 53 It is also important to note that there is a certain discrepancy between the employment needs of forced migrants from Ukraine and labour market needs in European countries. According to experts, the EU labour market needs a significant number of workers in industry, especially workers in industries that require heavy physical work, such as construction, conveyor engineering and foundries. According to the Employers of Poland Trade Group, which represents 19,000 companies, about 150,000 Ukrainian workers, mostly men, have left Poland since the war began. Many companies are looking for large numbers of workers at various construction sites because of the major outflow of workers. 54 Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants, mostly women and children, who have arrived in the region, find it difficult to take up most of the vacant positions in industry. For example, the management of the Trenkwalder Poland recruitment agency notes that the company has open vacancies for 50,000 logistics workers, mostly forklift drivers; more than 600 women responded to an advertisement sent to 2,000 internally displaced women to learn how to drive forklifts. Several dozen of them recently started a four-week training course. It is hard work, but migrants need to work and earn money. In Ukraine, they were in white-collar jobs, but in the EU they may have to do physical work. It is worth noting that employment and training opportunities for Ukrainian immigrants are not limited to offers of difficult or low-skilled work. Students, forced migrants from Ukraine who are in a European country have the opportunity to continue their studies, which have been interrupted by the war, or to acquire new professions. As an example, we can cite a proposal to obtain a Franco-Ukrainian diploma in the specialty ‘International Management and Trade’ at the French School of Management. Third-year students, regardless of major, with a minimum level of knowledge of the French language can apply to study at the IAE Metz School of Management. The beginning of studies is planned for October 2022. The programme includes 250 hours of study and 250 hours of French lessons for foreigners, as well as an internship lasting from 3 to 6 months. In the absence of the necessary documents, it is possible to conduct interviews with people with professional experience in the relevant field. The candidate must also submit a professional project that corresponds to the learning objectives. The educational programme is aimed at training specialists 51 See: https://europa.eu/europass/uk/create-europass-cv 52 Da oggi medici e infermieri ucraini potranno esercitare in Italia[From today doctors and nurses will be able to practice in Italy]; available at: https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2022/03/22/news/da_oggi_i_medici_ucraini_potranno_esercitare_in_italia-342362825/ 53 Professionnels de santé réfugiés ukrainiens – dispositions temporaires facilitant leur exercice[Health professionals among Ukrainian refugees – temporary arrangements enabling them to practice]; available at: https://lescdf.fr/actualites/professionnels-de-sante-refugies-ukrainiens-dispositions-temporaires-facilitant-leur# 54 Poland, Czech Republic struggle to replace Ukrainian workers; available at: https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/poland-czech-republic-struggle-to-replace-the-ukrainian-workers/ 92

in the field of management and project management in a multicultural environment. If desired, graduates will be able to continue their master’s studies in the following specialties: innovation management, finance, marketing, and sales. 55 In Poland, 568 Ukrainian citizens who arrived as forced migrants have been enrolled in higher education institutions, while 837 people have started the registration process. 56 The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe(EPALE) has launched a new Erasmus+ register for educational and training staff to support Ukrainian migrants as part of supporting organizations that provide education and training to Ukrainians. The register covers adult education, vocational education and training, and general education at pre-school, primary and secondary levels(including early childhood education and care). In this way, assistance is provided to organizations that implement Erasmus+ mobility projects and wish to use the funds of their projects to organize mobility events for educational workers and experts who want to work with Ukrainian forced migrants. 57 As regards employment in the host country, 41.6 per cent answered that they were helped in this matter by acquaintances, 22.4 per cent found a job on their own, and 24.8 per cent were helped by state and nonstate organizations. Figure 26. How did you find a job?(%) In answers to open-ended questions about job search, 11.2 per cent of female respondents stated that they had previously worked in the country of temporary stay or were working for relatives, friends or acquaintances. Local residents helped. Acquaintances helped I have not received any real help regarding employment. I was looking for a job by myself I was helped by state and non-state organizations 22.4% 18.6% 41.6% Invited by the Ministry of Culture of Slovakia. I found a job thanks to state or self-government other bodies 6.2% Volunteers found work for me in the kitchen. Other 11.2% I continued working for a Ukrainian company remotely. I worked in the same company in Ukraine. Worked remotely for an Estonian company even before the war. I worked for many years in this city in Portugal, so finding a job again was not a problem. I work for a company from Ukraine. I work for a relative in a beauty salon. I work for the people I live with. 55 Diplôme Universitaire Franco-Ukrainien Management et Commerce International; see: https://iaemetz.univ-lorraine.fr/fr/nos-formations/catalogue-deformations/diplome-universitaire-franco-ukrainien-management-et?fbclid=IwAR3-mCU804IbHfywr9-CXd_CGz8Gvy7epokVxhEGOJJkjSVE6E51XY4i5Iw 56 Supporting refugee learners from Ukraine in higher education in Europe; available at: https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-07/ Supporting_refugee_learners_from_Ukraine_in_higher_education_in_Europe.pdf 57 Erasmus+ register of education and training staff for support to Ukrainian refugees; available at: https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/site/search?sort_by=created&f%5b0%5d=tags%3A20030&f%5b1%5d=tags%3A20031 93

I used to work at this job, in 2020. I work from home, I bake cakes to order and sell them online. The largest percentage of female respondents(20 per cent) who have a job in the host country were in the younger age group, 18–24 years old(Table 11). In the group of older female respondents, 25–54 years old, 16.6 per cent are employed. There are no employed women over 65, but 11.8 per cent are looking for work. Table 11. Comparison of answers to the questions‘How old are you?’ and‘Do you have a job in the host country?’(%) How old are you? 18–24 25–54 55–64 65 or older Total Yes 20.0% 16.7% 8.9% 0% 15.7% Do you have a job in the host country? No, I do not need a job or do not have a possibility to look for one No, I am looking for a job 42.1% 37.9% 38.2% 45.1% 45.6% 45.6% 88.2% 11.8% 40.9% 43.4% Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Forms of employment Most respondents who have a job in the host country stated that they are employed officially. Thus, 55.3 per cent of the employed have a permanent job and official employment. This is 8.7 per cent of the total number of respondents. Figure 27. Forms of employment in the country of stay(%) In the answers to the open questions, some female respondents answered that they work unofficially. Some specified that they plan to sign a contract. Freelance. I concluded an employment contract for one year. I work on a permanent basis, but not officially yet. I plan to draw up a contract in the near future. Other 14.9% 11.8% Non-regular paid tasks Temporary (seasonal) work 18% 55.3% At the moment, it’s not official, but they plan to conclude a contract. I work unofficially, but every day. Unofficial work in a beauty salon. Unofficial work. Registered through the Urząd Pracy(municipal body) as a student for 5 months. Permanent job, official employment 94

I am currently working in a kindergarten for Ukrainians, it is temporary. Part-time work. The employer still hasn’t given me documents for work. I have just resigned due to health reasons. In Ukraine, I was the head of production, but here I work unqualified. Correspondence of work to qualification level Unskilled work is performed by 37.9 per cent of female respondents who found work in the country of temporary stay. Some 28.6 per cent do work that matches their previous experience and education, and 7.5 per cent do highly skilled work. Figure 28. Does your work correspond to your qualification level?(%) Comparison of pay levels and social packages with pay levels of local residents for the same work Most of the female respondents who work in the country of temporary stay answered that the level of wages and social package corresponds to the level of wages of local residents for the same work. According to 16.8 per cent of female respondents, they are paid less, and 2 per cent believe that they are paid more. I do work that does not require qualifications I do work that requires qualifications (based on my previous experience and education) I do low-qualified work (simple operations that can be mastered in hours/days I do work that requires high qualifications It is hard to tell 37.9% 28.6% 19.3% 7.5% 6.8% Social package offered by employers The level of social protection of female respondents is related to their employment status. Those female respondents who had official status and worked full-time answered that they had a full social package. Those who did not have official registration either did not receive any benefits at all or their scope was limited(payment for travel, food, etc.). Figure 29. Do the pay level and social package correspond to pay level of local residents for the same work?(%) 50.3% Yes 31.1% It is hard to tell 16.8% No, for the same work I am being paid less 1.9% No, for the same work I am being paid more 95

Learning the language of the host country, medical examination, preferential use of the company’s services, souvenirs from the company. Insurance like everyone else. The whole social package. None. There is no social package, but the employer, in addition to the salary, gives 200 zlotys per month per child. Employer covers part of lunch costs. Vacation for 21 days, sick leave. There’s a free lunch. No social package. This is a 2-month project. Only provided by law(paid vacation and sick leave). The same as the Poles(vacation, sick leave, bonuses). Minimal health insurance. There is no social package beyond what is provided by law. Medical insurance, food compensation. Transportation of personnel, free meals, quite high wages, compared with other enterprises. Social package within the framework of local legislation(medical insurance, vacation, sick leave). Life insurance, food for me and my child. Photo. Hungary-Berezhany, February 26, 2022. Ukrainian families fleeing the war across the Hungarian border. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 96

KNOWLEDGE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES As we have seen, knowledge of the language of the host country and/or another European language is a significant advantage, while lack of the ability to communicate with the local population is a significant barrier to finding housing, receiving social services, or employment. According to the results of the study, 87 per cent of all respondents do not know the language of the country of temporary stay. The language barrier stands in the way of getting a job in most specialties. Women cannot do any work that requires communication and understanding of language. In addition, not knowing the language of the host country becomes an obstacle in obtaining social and medical services, as well as in understanding information provided by state and charitable organizations, because they communicate mainly in the state language. Figure 30. Knowledge of foreign languages(%) Among those respondents who speak the language of the host country, 27.9 per cent found a job in that country(Table 12). Among those who, in addition to the language of the host country, also know other European languages, 16.9 per cent found a job. Knowledge of one or several languages widens migrants’ possibilities to find a job corresponding to their qualifications(if no additional confirmation is needed). Moreover, some respondents continued working remotely for their Ukrainian employers and were not interested in looking for new options. 44.8% 42.3% 6.9% 6% I do not speak the language of the host country but I speak another European language(s) I do not speak any foreign language I speak the language of the host country and one or more other European languages I speak the language of the host country Among those who do not know any foreign language, 15.5 per cent got a job in the host country. It can be assumed that they are likely to accept any work, even low qualified, physically demanding work that is not their specialty. Table 12. Comparison of answers to the questions‘Knowledge of foreign languages’ and‘Have you found a job in the host country?’(%) Knowledge of foreign languages I do not speak any foreign language I do not speak the language of the host country but I speak one or more other European languages I speak the language of the host country I speak the language of the host country and one or more other European languages Total Yes 15.5% 14.2% Have you found a job in the host country? No, I have no need or possibility 42.0% 43.0% No, but I am looking for a job 42.5% 42.8% Total 100.0% 100.0% 27.9% 16.9% 15.7% 27.9% 31.0% 40.9% 44.3% 52.1% 43.4% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 97

Gaëlle Gormley, President of ACT FOR REF, France: When the war started in Ukraine in 2022, the French government joined other countries in inviting Ukrainians to come to France. In my opinion, one of the biggest issues we have encountered is the lack of French language courses. That is why women come, but it is difficult for them to integrate here. Without knowing the language, it is difficult for them to find a job or register in the queue for social housing. Without a job, it will be difficult for them even to pay for social housing. Of cause, there are some offers of free language courses. But there are very few of them, and these courses are typically taught not by professional teachers, but by volunteers. Courses last one to two hours a week, which is not much. Professional French courses for adults here are offered by the employment centre. However, there are not many longer-term offers. Iryna, a forced migrant in Belgium, Hesden-Zolder:‘We didn’t feel a language barrier in Belgium, as both my daughter and I speak English. And here, as it turned out, many people in various professions know English. However, after staying in Belgium for a while, we realized that in order to feel comfortable in this country, we should go to Flemish language courses, because no one can tell how long the war will last, and my daughter would also like to get a job. At first, we were offered an opportunity to study the language online, and this solution suited us well, because there was no one to leave my grandchildren with. There is a place for our five-year-old in a kindergarten only from September, and the ten-month-old is still being breastfed. Then at the first online lesson, the teacher announced that each of us should work at a separate workplace(on a separate computer) in different rooms. When my daughter said that she can easily do the work on the mobile phone, we were simply excluded from the courses... But the social worker informed us that we are obliged to return to the courses as soon as possible. If not, we will stop receiving financial aid. To put it mildly, I was really upset by this approach. Now my daughter attends courses in another city, I am at home with the youngest granddaughter; it’s good that we managed to find a place in a kindergarten for the oldest granddaughter at least for a few hours a day. In general, I plan to return to Ukraine as soon as the situation at home allows it. I don’t even hope to get a job in Belgium. However, I will also be forced to attend courses. So I don’t even know how we’re going to deal with childcare. I believe that the country should reconsider an approach in which forced migrant women are involved in the educational process. Perhaps it is worth offering courses exclusively to those who plan to stay in the country for a long time, work and extend their temporary residence permit?’ According to some research participants, the problem of learning the language of the host country can be solved by involving teachers of foreign languages ​f​rom Ukraine(German, French, Italian, etc.) who are also abroad, for example, as forced migrants. It is advisable to open more groups at employment centres (because most often Ukrainian adults are recorded as wanting to learn the language there). For example, in Germany, if a Ukrainian woman registers as a job seeker, she receives social benefits and is required to attend language courses to a certain level of German proficiency. According to respondents, language learning for immigrants is organized most effectively in Germany. 98

ISSUES OF SECURITY, COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE Description of situations that threaten the personal safety of forced migrant women More than 4 per cent of female respondents in the countries of temporary stay have found themselves in situations that threatened their personal safety or the safety of other displaced women from Ukraine, or were witnesses of such cases. We cannot give a comparative assessment of this indicator, because unlike a crime recorded by the police, the assessment of a‘threatening situation’ is subjective, and statistics are not kept on such indicators. However, 1.7 per cent of female respondents noted that during the three months that had passed since the beginning of the aggression, they had been the victims of crime(theft, physical violence, damage to vehicles and so on). Thus, the annualised number of complaints of crimes committed against Ukrainian migrants is more than 70 per 1,000 people, which significantly exceeds the average European rate of recorded crimes(40 crimes per year per 100,000 inhabitants 58 ). A total of 0.9 per cent of female respondents noted that they were the victims or witnesses of gender discrimination. Figure 31. Have you been in a situation that threatened your safety during your travel to or stay in the country of residence?(%) In the answers to the open questions, the respondents indicated that they had suffered from discrimination on the basis of nationality both from local residents and – much more often! – from Russians living in European countries. Also, some of the Ukrainian women had faced sexual harassment, theft of money and documents, damage to cars with Ukrainian license plates, and so on. My backpack was stolen on the Krakow–Prague train; there were documents and money in it. 94.3% 3.3% 1.5% 0.9% No Yes, I was a victim or a witness of threatening situation that had no features of gender discrimination It is hard to tell Yes, I was a victim or a witness of a threatening situation that can be categorised as gender discrimination(human trafficking, sexual abuse) I can’t complain because my son is in a great Estonian school. But an acquaintance told me that at first her child was sent to a Russian school in Tallinn, and later she decided to transfer the child to an Estonian school because of the disrespectful attitude towards the child and the unhealthy atmosphere. A Czech near the humanitarian aid center for Ukrainians shouted that there were too many Ukrainians, and pushed one of the visitors. There were two other similar situations in the city. The window of my car was deliberately broken with a stone – I have Ukrainian plates. We contacted the police, gave a statement, but the investigation is ongoing, there are no results so far. The car was repaired at our own expense. There is no witness, but a friend said that her car was damaged, and stones were thrown in the back of another friend. We stayed in a hostel, and on the last day of our stay, the staff behaved strangely and made aggressive comments. Also recently, an elderly Russian quarrelled with us at the bus stop. I was about to call the police, but he got on his bus. I would like to note that aggression, strange looks and unfriendliness are felt only from Russians, so I looked for housing in areas where Estonians live. 58 Eurostat. Crime Statistics; available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Crime_statistics 99

There were episodes of aggression from the Russians, who tried to humiliate us. I was walking home with two children, and two men threw an empty bottle in my direction. It smashed at my feet. I wanted to call the police, but I couldn’t do it because I don’t know the language. We almost had an accident. Crossing the road, we were almost hit by a Slovak. He shouted at us as if it was out fault. Other residents of the hotel(Ukrainians) show aggression(threats to throw the child from the second floor, threats with a kitchen knife, etc.); the hotel administration and the police ignore complaints, the situation has not changed. I am a member of online groups of Ukrainians in Estonia. Once a man from Tallinn, a Russian, wrote to me in private messages. He humiliated and threatened me, despite the fact that I was not part of the discussion with him, and in the end he said:’If I find you – you are done.’ Then I turned to the police, which investigates harassment in social networks, and they informed me that I am the third person to complain about him, and that they will talk to him. I asked not to say that I had filed a complaint against him, because he lives in Tallinn and I was scared. After that, I never heard from him again. I was threatened by the police, accused of harassing men: this is slander – as if I even had time for it. It would never cross my mind. I work in a supermarket. I was putting goods on the shelves and an elderly woman who spoke Russian without an accent approached me and asked if I was from Ukraine. Then she started shouting at me, humiliating me. She said, why are we here, that we should immediately return to our country, because there is not enough room for us here. I did not even respond to her because I was afraid of being fired. A man in the playground shouted aggressively at my child in Czech. When I took out the phone, he was gone. On the bus, a drunken Pole was insulting Ukrainians, but the other passengers stood up for us. We were kicked out of the hospital at night, because we refused to take the medicine they wanted to give us. My friend’s car was damaged: an intruder drove a crowbar into the hood and damaged the engine. There is a negative“nationality-based” attitude. In one instance, a man tried to’communicate’ very aggressively. I experienced an aggressive attack from a stranger one evening, a physical attack. He was shouting and insulting me. He only calmed down when passers-by called the police. Money, documents and a mobile phone were stolen from a bag. The documents were later found nearby. They tried to steal our car in the city of Galats. Some Italians are against NATO and have taken a pro-Russian position; there were even pro-Russian rallies. Fortunately, there are not many of them, but sometimes they are rude to migrants. My friend’s car tire was slashed. She has Ukrainian plates. While buying vegetables at the local market, I had to listen to a rude Italian man who told me that I should go home, that he had had enough of us, and in order to make me“understand” better, he pushed me with his shoulder quite hard as he was leaving. 100

Katalin, volunteer with the organization‘Ukrainian Initiatives of South Moravia’, Czech Republic: One woman went to work to cook for a man, who also provided her with housing. Due to the difficult situation and her dependent circumstances, the woman started work only on a“verbal contract”. Two weeks passed before the woman demanded payment. To begin with, there were promises to pay“tomorrow”, but later on she experienced aggression, reproaches and even a couple of slaps. She was thrown out on the street at night. The woman turned to the police, who, in her opinion, were unhelpful. The woman returned to the Motherland. Another situation: some people took a woman with a child into their home. They slept there on a mattress, and they paid the family 3,000 crowns for the accommodation. One day they were told that they had to leave the house immediately. Unfortunately, there is no recourse in such situations. Human trafficking and gender-based violence About 1 per cent of female respondents had witnessed or survived a potential threat that can be categorised as gender discrimination and/or human trafficking. In Frankfurt, people offering housing in exchange for sexual services called twice. There was a case when a man was trying to pick us up pretending to be a Red Cross volunteer, but we refused to go with him, because it was on condition that we didn’t tell anyone where we were going. My 14-year-old daughter was chased by two men in the subway, they grabbed her, pushed her. Another passenger, who saw everything, pushed them out of the train and walked her back to me. Some Germans show too much“attention” and try to pick us up, swearing. In one incident a stranger approached me on the way to the train and said he was willing to give me a lift. But when he saw that my family had stopped and were returning for me, he disappeared. It was scary; I was scared. My daughter was offered an interview for the position of hotel administrator. They were dodgy people. The interview was scheduled to take place in the parking lot, conducted by a Russianspeaking man... The interview was very casual; the man’s explanations and answers were very vague. It’s good that I was there. My daughter and I left immediately. Threats of sexual violence from a local gang of workers. Over time, they(the workers) were moved to another place. I was harassed by an old acquaintance who invited me to Poland. I had to look for new accommodation urgently. Local residents of the hotel are aggressively trying to force Ukrainian women to have sex. A drunk on public transport was insulting us, saying we were“overweight”, but also just for being women. Repeated stories from neighbours about the threat of gender-based violence; some passers-by made comments on how we looked even though our husbands were nearby. 101

The first months of the mass migration of forced migrants from Ukraine required rapid actions and decisions from the authorities. With time, however, the host countries have increasingly paid attention to the risks inherent in a system that relies mainly on private owners and informal housing offers. In order to better coordinate the supply of private housing and reduce the risk of exploitation, European countries are more likely to implement various quality controls, focusing primarily on the pre-screening of hosts and the development of formal selection procedures under government supervision(comprehensive background checks, telephone interviews, on-site inspections). In Austria, the Federal Agency for Reception and Support evaluates housing offers before providing information about suitable options to the provinces. Germany asks all persons wishing to offer housing to contact the Working Group on Immigrants from Ukraine at the local council or to apply through the federal Land. Other host countries have relied on nonprofit organizations to provide the necessary coordination and oversight(for example, the Red Cross in Spain). 59 Another consideration is food security. There is a risk, for example, of poisoning migrants with expired food products that may be given to them as part of charitable initiatives. Maryana, a forced migrant, Belgium:‘It often happens that in small towns and rural areas there are no products of the kind that Ukrainians usually eat, or they are only for special use. For example, cream or butter not for consumption, but only for baking, potatoes that are not recommended for frying, etc. There are cases when charities give out expired products. I talked about this with representatives of one of the charitable organizations. When I pointed out that the meat products had expired, I received the following response:“We received it from the sponsor and stored the products in industrial freezers. However, you are right, in this case we label the products as needing to be consumed today or tomorrow. But we really do not inform Ukrainians about this, and they do not know the language, do not understand the labelling.’ Natalya, a forced migrant, France:‘In a social store for low-income people, I was offered eggs that had expired a week ago. If that wasn’t enough, the man who was giving them away was sincerely surprised that I was interested in the expiration date of the products, and he was indignant that I refused the expired eggs.’ 59 Housing support for Ukrainian refugees in host countries. Safety and risk of exploitation; available at: https://www.oecd.org/ukraine-hub/policy-responses/housing-support-for-ukrainian-refugees-in-receiving-countries-9c2b4404/#boxsection-d1e142 102

EXPERIENCES OF INTERACTION WITH STATE AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND OFFICIALS IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES Interaction of forced migrants from Ukraine with officials(state and municipal employees) Almost 60 per cent of the women surveyed assessed their experience of interaction with officials as ‘excellent’ and another 16 per cent as‘good’; that is, approximately 75 per cent of the women surveyed assessed their experience of communication with officials positively(Figure 32). Figure 32. Assess your experience of interaction with officials(%) Respondents’ answers demonstrate that although aid to help Ukrainians is still in its formative stages, in most countries it has been possible to establish mechanisms to provide assistance to a large number of forced migrants, developing and implementing new procedures in a short period of time. Sometimes the human factor is decisive, and the speed and success 58.8% 16% 13.2% 9.6% 2% 0.4% of resolving issues and providing Excellent, Good, although It is hard Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, My appeals assistance depend on the attitude of individual employees. This is evidenced by the wide range of comments, all the issues were settled not all the issues that were in the competence of a particular o cial were to tell issues were settled in full or partially o cials performed their duties merely to the letter were ignored from‘everything is very slow’ to‘my settled impressions have been only pleasant’, applying to the same state institutions of the same country. Most of the Ukrainian women interviewed were satisfied with their interaction with state organizations. They had received help and consultations and had solved problems in a timely manner, even without knowing the language of the country of residence. The respondents also noted that they met with sympathy and a sincere desire to help from officials. Certain complaints related to the duration of bureaucratic procedures in host countries, inconsistency of interactions of state structures with local government, insufficient information and peculiarities of certain bureaucratic procedures. Austria Great, calm. Very polite. I came to submit documents, everything was accepted, the terms of registration were announced, and everything was issued at the specified time. They have not covered living expenses, have not provided housing. Everything without queues, everything is very convenient, they helped to do everything, everything was very fast, everything was explained. In one center, a staff member did not speak English well, but he found a translator himself to help us understand everything. I waited a long time for financial payments, I called, they told me that I had to wait three weeks. After 5-6 weeks, I still have not received the funds, I found another place to call, and then they paid. In general, everyone was friendly and helpful. 103

Belgium Bulgaria United Kingdom Estonia Spain Lithuania Netherlands 104 The first registration was easy. In Antwerp, however, everything was difficult, nobody knew anything. It is necessary to clarify every step. Only through volunteers did we learn how to get documents. Some employees lost our documents. The process was very, very slow... Officials are trying very hard to help and are acting within their authority. Everything is fast and good. They work very slowly and reluctantly. Everything is fine, the issues were resolved. Good impression! Employees at the social services came with an interpreter, there were no misunderstandings. They are doing their best. Not all the procedures are clear to the employees themselves, but they are trying hard. Very polite, most of them really want to help. Pleasant, willing to help, open. The only thing I didn’t like was that everything is not as fast as I would like. State representatives are supposed to visit and check on us. It may take at least 10 days. However, we are grateful for their efforts. Fast, high-quality, affordable. Very good impressions, everything was on time, clear and without delays. One of the reasons for choosing Estonia is bureaucratic transparency, organization and efficiency. Very satisfied. I want to thank Estonia and the EU as a whole, as well as the incredible people who help migrants, because they are doing a great job. And any person who escaped the war under the shelling, in fact, really appreciates and is grateful for any help and understanding. Everything is very slow. Some issues are not resolved at all – we are simply being redirected from one official to another and back. Unbelievable bureaucracy. All people are polite, but they only listened and sympathized – I have never received real help. You have to wait a long time to register, but my questions were resolved efficiently and quickly. Everyone is very friendly. They give advice and provide information, but everything is very slow, the processes are very slow. Everyone explains everything carefully. I wrote letters, they call me back. The social service and the employment center employees call me. Everything is very clear. Everything is very slow. Everything is fine when the topic is general, but when it comes to details, then they cannot help in any way. The impressions are only pleasant; they organized a place for Ukrainians to communicate, provide information, find answers to questions. Communication is polite, but due to the large number of refugees, they cannot pay enough attention to every individual case. Because of the language barrier, there are problems with explaining things. Not all officials understand and speak English.

Italy Finland Germany Poland Everything is fine, everyone is friendly, and they are doing everything they can for us. I am lucky because I know the language of the host country. I think it is much more difficult for those who do not speak the language. This affects one’s financial situation, adaptation in society, and receiving high quality services. Everything is good, but the state institutions work quite slowly, and the work is not very coordinated. It seems that the officials want to help, but they cannot. For example, housing: the region understands that there is a problem. But the mayors do not provide them with information about free housing. Poor communication hinders the resolution of issues. All issues have been resolved, but I think they could be resolved a little faster. In big cities, there are long queues, we had to wait for documents for a long time. They work slowly, we have solved our problems faster with the help of our acquaintances. We contacted the police with documents for temporary asylum, everything was done quickly and well. Here, everything is done exactly to the letter. I very much liked their freedom of self-expression; for example, they dress how they wish. When we arrived, we were not registered, we lived in a hotel for 2 months without registration and social assistance. I went to the social services three times to get a residence permit, the issue was not resolved, they told me to come again. There is bureaucracy, but everything is according to the rules. It is OK. If you ask, they answer, although we would like our rights in the country to be explained. Good impressions, everyone was helpful and responsive. In general, the service is at a high level, but there is a lot of bureaucracy. All issues have been resolved, but it took a long time. Two weeks after arriving I managed to get my child into school, so now she is attending school in Germany. Excursion programmes were held for Ukrainians with children – a zoo, a museum. Everything was at a high level. They are trying to do their best, but it is very difficult for them because they were not ready for it. There were no problems when completing all the necessary documents. There are translators in government agencies who help. Wonderful, they smiled and helped. They tried to understand and answer in a language I understood. They are saints! Everything was provided. There are no long queues; quick responses to requests or those in need of help; qualified, friendly staff; a desire to help, no refusals to help; simple and quick processing of documents without unnecessary references, requests and running around offices. 105

Portugal Romania Slovakia Hungary 106 You need to know the language, then all the officials understand you and help you. If it weren’t for my husband, who knows the language, I would have had a lot of problems and complaints about the work of officials. I rarely appealed to local authorities, but everything was always resolved. And this time, when we needed housing, everything was resolved. Temporary protection was arranged – except for a long queue, everything else was fine. People are friendly, they quickly issued documents for the whole family. It’s all good, but it wasn’t structured enough at the beginning. Most likely, it was because there were many new procedures that had not existed before. In the beginning, there were huge queues at the migration services. People stood on the street for days. Now the work has been adjusted, everything has become better. My impressions[of everything] from making an application to the migration service are quite positive, with the exception of the long waiting period for admission. All issues were resolved quickly and efficiently. Everyone means well, wanted to help, did everything in their power. Everyone was smiling, trying to help even without knowing the language. Where Ukrainian-speaking volunteers work, everything is good; where there are no volunteers, it’s bad. Poor or no command of the international language of communication, English. It was not possible to apply for assistance; the official bodies did not provide this opportunity. Excellent! It happened that my wallet and documents were stolen at the station, but after I contacted state organizations, the documents at least were returned very quickly. The attitude is good, but they do not provide all the necessary information for the prompt resolution of the issue; that is, they do not warn you about the need for further actions within the established time frame. One example is the need to confirm the phone number in the application for receiving financial assistance. I found out about it by chance through acquaintances. Also, I found out about the need to register with the labour authorities so that they could compensate Slovaks for the housing they provided. Issues regarding document preparation were resolved quickly and without problems, but the issue of calling the police in a threatening situation was not resolved at all. The police came, but ignored the offense. Positive impressions: they want to help. They took me to the right office, explained to other colleagues what I needed so that it was clear. The only thing is that they made a mistake with my child’s birth certificate; they didn’t enter all the data. Everything was fine in the migration service, they prepared the documents for me, but we could not find a common language with the workers, there is no translator. Translators should be available, if required. There is no translator in the migration service, it is difficult to understand local workers.

France Czech Republic Switzerland Sweden Positive. For example, when registering an application for a temporary residence permit, I passed all the windows in one hour. The permit was issued on the spot, a card was issued for receiving financial aid, and in ten days(as promised) the health insurance was sent by e-mail. Everything is fine in Montpellier, but in Avignon there was no translator, so it was difficult to understand each other, and mistakes were made in the documents. In Montpellier, the documents were prepared instantly. They perform their duties rather mechanically, without enthusiasm; just for the money, I suppose. The paperwork takes a very long time. Czechs have a very negative attitude towards electronic documents. Even when a QR code has been issued, you have to go to the relevant place in person and show it. I contacted officials when I received the visa; everything was done quickly and professionally. And also at the labour agency, the employees did everything quickly, there were no problems, despite my lack of knowledge of the Czech language. Very long queues. It is difficult to stand with small children, and leaving them at home is impossible. The visa was issued quickly; financial aid was issued without any problems. Not all branches of the labour service issue aid, which is why there are long queues at those that do. The information provided is not always relevant. There is no bureaucracy, I liked the fact that I resolved all the issues in one day. The only problem for me was when I needed to open a bank account: the process took several days(I had to make an appointment). But this might seem long only compared with procedures in Ukraine. For the Czechs, this seems to be the norm. All the people here are very nice, they are very worried about us, they wish us well. They always invite us to various events. The atmosphere is friendly, we were always helped. It’s OK, everyone is very friendly, they have that kind of mentality. A lot of time is spent on registration, but it is not because of them, but rather because of the sheer number of refugees from Ukraine. It’s a very bureaucratic country, so decisions are made slowly. To get complete information, you need to apply several times. They provide answers only within the scope of the request and not particularly clearly. The procedure for obtaining documents is very slow; insufficient information at every step. 107

Photo. Gleizé, Rhône Prefecture, France. An event organized by the Gleizé City Hall for donors and local residents who provide support for Ukrainians, for example, collecting funds and humanitarian aid. The mayor Ghislain de Longevialle, councillors and families who hosted displaced women for temporary residence participated in the gathering. Interaction with NGOs Non-governmental, charitable and volunteer organizations, as well as public initiatives play an important role in the accommodation of forced migrant women from Ukraine in European countries. This is evidenced by the fact that 95 per cent of women interacted with them in one way or another. Figure 33. Which NGOs have you interacted with during your travel to and stay in the country of residence?(%) The vast majority of female respondents noted the touching and unexpected support they received from non-governmental, volunteer and other organizations. Volunteers did everything possible and impossible. They were run off their feet, but they still helped and smiled, despite the fatigue, to support people fleeing the horrors of war. Local charitable and volunteer organizations International NGOs Ukrainian communities abroad Religious charitable organizations It is hard to tell No experience of interaction 15.6% 11.8% 11.5% 9.7% 5.0% 46.5% 108

Austria Belgium Bulgaria United Kingdom Estonia Spain Italy Netherlands I am so impressed by the work of volunteers. They gave me a lot of very useful advice, told me about customs in Austria. I regularly go to meetings organized by them for Ukrainians. The Red Cross helps a lot. Great experiences, everyone is open, English-speaking. Good impressions, but local Russian volunteers are sometimes rude. People sympathize and try to help. It’s all good, they’re doing the best they can. Well done! They do a lot, organize meetings, get free travel for us. I am very grateful to them. The welcome was awesome, we were fed, and provided housing. It was all well organized. Those people are wonderful! It seems that they do everything they can for migrants and help them settle down in a new place. Everything is great, every week I received food packages, which significantly saved the family budget. The Ukrainian community is very supportive. They helped with clothes, care products for a small child. Of course, we had to buy a lot of things ourselves, but I am very grateful for everything they helped us with. Non-state charitable organizations and private individuals provided the greatest assistance. The Red Cross in Torrevieja does not work at all. They only collect data. I am very grateful, my issues were resolved. During this period I met very kind and empathetic people who tried to help us; they brought clothes, toys, helped and supported us. They behave quite unobtrusively; it’s their job; they give food once a week. Only positive emotions from local volunteers, who provided free housing with all necessities, helped with everything, ensured a comfortable stay. Volunteers provide some products and hygiene items, but not enough. As a result, we also have to use savings, which are insufficient. We are waiting for financial aid, then it will be easier. Impressions: poor range of humanitarian aid, but very good impressions from volunteers. Here, in the north of Italy, and as I heard, in the center of the country as well, there are various volunteer organizations, associations that help people like us. I don’t remember their names, but I am very grateful to them. I thought that this was how things were in Ukraine, where only volunteers really get things done. But, in fact, even abroad, in the developed EU, volunteers are the ones who do it all. Pretty good. Caritas operates once a week. But we didn’t particularly need it, because our neighbours helped us a lot. Everything is good, even better than good. 109

Portugal Germany Poland Romania They were always ready to help within their capabilities. If we didn’t know something, they told us who to turn to. Relations were good, the volunteers helped in whatever way they could. Very good impression, they always help, organize, etc. I am very grateful – they mainly help with clothes, food, information and preparation of documents. Everything is wonderful, people smile, support, sympathize and understand. Our first language courses were held at the Catholic Church; everything was very good there. Negative experience: the head of the Jewish community of Regensburg was very prejudiced about our Ukrainian roots. We wanted to get involved in local public life, but we were not accepted. I really liked how the local village community helped us a lot, meeting with doctors, organizing free holidays, helping with clothes and food. Highest quality help, they really help everyone. They organized transport, places to stay, all the necessary things(household chemicals, products, clothes). They provided everything necessary. Very attentive, responsive. At some point I didn’t need more aid, but they kept providing everything’. Everything is great. I help volunteers. Everyone tries to help, to provide any help. Polish volunteers went to Ukraine themselves to deliver humanitarian aid when Ukrainian vehicles could not come. Respect. Poles are very kind, sensitive people. I try to be like them. Great guys. Cool! From the first day there was a huge amount of help. They helped everyone(children’s things, toys, sweets, food, household chemicals, things for adults, etc.). Very grateful. I was pleasantly surprised. It is very nice that there are such organizations that take care of Ukrainians in such a difficult time. Pleasant impressions. Many thanks to all the volunteers. Volunteers work very hard, spending their own time to help others. They are always friendly, even if they are tired. All well done, I didn’t even expect such help and such kind treatment. Art HuB. Bucharest has a community of Ukrainians. They organize meetings on various topics, yoga, activities for children, etc. Super, the people are very cool, they found a place to do it all, they help children and teenagers with the language(English, Romanian), conduct psychological sessions. 110

France Slovakia Hungary Finland Switzerland I am very grateful to the Red Cross; they are very supportive, provide shelter and food. All the encounters during my trip and in the country of stay pleasantly impressed me. I am helped by a local volunteer organization(I don’t know the name, the volunteer is called Gael), the Red Cross met me in Paris and helped in Berlin. In Montpellier, the impressions are wonderful, volunteers approach, ask how they can help, provide all the necessary information. Volunteers constantly support us and help in solving everyday issues. I am very grateful to them for their hard work and desire to help. People are very friendly, sympathetic, helped with clothes, toys, hygiene products for me and the children. They constantly help with products and necessities. Thank you very much, everything is fine. Housing was found in 15 minutes! They saved us!’ Everything is very good, impressions are positive, people are responsive, kind, spend a lot of their time to organize help for Ukrainians. There are many Slovaks and Ukrainians among the volunteers. They are very patient, sensitive, and understand the situation in which people from Ukraine find themselves. It’s just fantastic, when I was volunteering, international organizations gave a lot of help to everyone who needed it. Everything was well organized: the Red Cross, church organizations. In some volunteer centres, the workers were grumpy, they refused to provide us with what we needed at Nyugati railway station, they said they had nothing(food). Very friendly people, not indifferent, help in everything, despite the fact that we are strangers to them. I am very grateful to them for that. Volunteers organize Ukrainian evenings, help with what they can and run language courses. People are very friendly. We had only just arrived in the city when people called and asked how they could help; they wrote a list of what to buy... They recommended a psychologist. They asked about my hobbies, they brought materials for embroidery. They did everything to make us feel at home. Finns are very friendly. It’s very positive, because Tatyana is helping to learn German on her own initiative, other people are helping in their own ways. They brought us clothes. An orchestral concert was arranged. We prepared together for Easter celebrations. Very caring and sympathetic. Here, many people give away their things, sometimes even new ones, you can take everything for free... SIM cards with the options of calls to Ukraine are given for free. Every Tuesday there are events for refugees; they provide information, you can ask questions. Recruiters help you find a job for free. 111

Czech Republic Sweden The religious charitable organization distributed food packages(both for adults and children) to all Ukrainians in Brno every Thursday, sometimes up to 1,500 packages per day. The services of the international organization Caritas were used when a visa was issued(food and drinks were provided, a local SIM card was given). Local volunteers helped with clothes and basic necessities. Ukrainians, who are also immigrants, work mainly as volunteers. They treat us with understanding, we received humanitarian aid, food, there is a psychologist, a lot of clothes and toys for children, everything is well organized. There are too many refugees, thus, it is understandable that some volunteers have burned out emotionally. And some organizations, especially in which Russians work, hide useful information. Ukrainian organizations are trying very hard, but due to the influx of people, they can only do so much. They tried very hard to help us and meet all our needs, I am very grateful to those people. Help with clothes, personal hygiene products. So far, they have provided an opportunity to learn the language for free. Great. Everything is clear. They helped with a transfer from Poland, housing, clothes, food, information, and psychological support. The support is comprehensive, very grateful to them for everything. Iryna, volunteer, Montpellier, France: In May 2022, representatives of the Red Cross refused to provide shelter for two women, saying there were no places in the camp. Other volunteers and I fed them and gave them a place to stay for one night... It is outrageous that the organization, which is called to help in times of need and claims to do so, actually left two women to fend for themselves. Maria Vazi, Vice President of Narana z.s., Czech Republic: Assistance mainly comes from NGOs and volunteers. The state provides support, but it is not very structured and often difficult to access due to bureaucracy. Regarding local volunteers: as always, when disaster strikes, there is an outpouring of support and assistance. And now, after several months, many volunteers are tired, so they let themselves rest more often... Olga, volunteer, Bratislava, Slovakia: I cooperate with a number of public organizations – help teenagers, children, and adults. I have already taken part in a number of events. There are various centres for help, including psychological, but few people know about it. You can also get informational assistance there. Every Ukrainian can get help at the center, in the Ukrainian language. 112

Iryna, a respondent and forced migrant from Ukraine to Belgium: My experience has shown that civil servants in Belgium act in the same way as in Ukraine – no more than they have to. Volunteers and charitable organizations provide salvation for Ukrainian women in non-standard situations. Together with our daughter and two granddaughters, we escaped from the shelling of the Russian occupiers in the Kyiv region. In Belgium, my goddaughter hosted us. We hadn’t talked to her for 20 years. We all lived in a small apartment, and after two weeks she asked us to find another place to live... So my daughter, two grandchildren and I moved out, with nowhere to go. The situation turned out to be rather deplorable – in the first days when we registered with Fedasil in Belgium, we gave up on looking for housing, because we thought we already had it. And when we were on the street, we turned to Fedasil again. However, in response to my desperate outcry, a civil servant we addressed said that he could not help – we had a chance to be hosted in social housing but refused initially. To my plea that we had nowhere to go now with two small children(1 y.o and 6 y.o), nowhere even to spend that night, he only repeated that there was nothing he could do. From the expression on his face, I saw that he understood me in a human way: he felt really bad about it, but even so… With a yellow bracelet on our arm(in Belgium it is given to forced migrants who have nowhere to go), we went outside. After some time, a Belgian volunteer came up to us and offered to take us to a village where we could spend the night and, in general, settle down. And he immediately started calling someone and discussing something in his own language. I hadn’t heard anything about this village before and I hadn’t looked this Belgian in the eye – I wasn’t sure if he was really a volunteer. My daughter and I started to worry, feeling how scary it is to go somewhere with a man without knowing who he is... Just then, a woman approached us, as it turned out, a woman from Lviv who has been living in Belgium for ten years. She introduced herself and said she understood our confusion. She assured us that this man did not say anything bad on the phone when he made the call; she translated his conversation for us. It turned out that he really had found out that there was a possibility of accommodation in that village. My daughter and I asked her for help: she translated our request to him to let us check his documents. In turn, he checked ours. Then we exchanged phone numbers with our new acquaintance and asked her to call us back in the evening to make sure we had reached the village, and in case something bad happened, to inform the police. Still, we decided to play it safe, because there have been real cases of kidnapping and human trafficking... In the end, everything turned out well for my family. A Belgian volunteer drove us, helped us in every way, found shelter. We still live in the apartment he found for us. That woman kept her word and called me back, I am very grateful to her that she didn’t just pass us by. Who knows where we would be with our little children now if it wasn’t for such people. The help of volunteers is very important in the host countries. They help in situations where civil servants are powerless. In light of my experience, it is really important that the police in Belgium and other countries patrol the places visited by forced migrants from Ukraine more carefully. When people in a foreign country have no shelter, do not know who to turn to for help, they become very vulnerable. Most of them are women and children, because they are the ones who left to escape from the war. They become easy prey for human traffickers and other criminals. Ukrainian women should have the opportunity to seek help from law enforcement officers in other countries without hindrance. 113

Photo. Kyiv, Ukraine – March 14, 2022. People leaving their home after its destruction by a Russian missile attack. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/ 114 Photo. Warsaw, Poland. March 8, 2022. Ukrainian refugees at Warsaw Central train station. Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 115

GENERAL CONCLUSIONS In accordance with the Council Implementing Decision(EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022(EU), 60 a basic document regulating the situation of displaced persons(forced migrants) from Ukraine in European countries and introducing temporary protection status, the purpose of temporary protection is the rapid integration of Ukrainians into the European community, providing them with the opportunity to exercise their basic rights(to housing, food, education, health care, work, social aid), as well as sharing the burden of supporting displaced persons among EU Member States. These conclusions and recommendations have been formulated with regard to the rapid integration of Ukrainians into the European community. In the first months of the full-scale invasion(in a war that has been going on since 2014), when rockets and artillery strikes were aimed at the civilian population and infrastructure, a large number of settlements were subject to destruction and occupation. The help given by, among others, other European countries was impressive in scale, sincere, selfless and multifaceted. It was offered to the entire Ukrainian people and to every individual who decided to seek refuge outside Ukraine. The integration of forced migrants into the socio-economic life of other European countries means not only Ukrainians’ access to the labour market, consumer goods, education and social protection, but also the return transfer to Ukraine of social norms and ideas as part of a cultural exchange. Thus, the more successfully Ukrainian migrants are integrated in Europe, the faster the formation of a single informational, economic and social space with the European Union will be when they return to Ukraine. This is important with regard to the candidate status granted to Ukraine by the EU this year. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation in 2022 has caused the largest displacement of Europeans since World War II. The vast majority of current displaced persons are women and children. It is already clear that the displacement of millions of Ukrainians entails large economic costs for European states, which are currently difficult to estimate because of two fundamental uncertainties: how many people will eventually leave Ukraine during the war, and how long they will stay in other countries. Will they remain in their host countries? The answers, in turn, depend on the duration and course of the war in Ukraine, on the degree of destruction of the housing stock, infrastructure, services and enterprises, as well as on the level of services and support offered by European countries. In our opinion, European countries have taken on a serious challenge helping Ukraine not only with accommodating forced migrants, but also providing military and humanitarian aid. And this at a time when they themselves are recovering from the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, have an urgent need to solve problems related to the energy crisis, and are experiencing an influx of refugees from third countries. Given that the war in Ukraine continues and, according to experts’ forecasts, will not end in the next few months(that is, by the end of 2022), the host countries need to prepare for longer stays of a large number of forced migrant women, with their dependents. In our opinion, a key element of successful integration of the forced migrant Ukrainians is their close engagement with the lives of local communities. This requires coordination between national governments and local authorities to implement a social inclusion plan focused on supporting women and their dependants, interacting with them so that they can navigate the system of the host country, receive financial support, housing, educational assistance, aid with labour market integration and more. The two main difficulties when it comes to the integration of Ukrainians in the medium and long term perspective are access to housing and work. Access to the labour market is particularly difficult for women with small children and relatives requiring care, because, in addition to the language barrier, they are also 60 Council Implementing Decision(EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC, and having the effect of introducing temporary protection; available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32022D0382 116

burdened with parental responsibilities and unpaid care work. And considering that women and children make up the major percentage of forced migrants, employment remains the most urgent issue, especially when social support and benefits start to be cut back. We would like to highlight what we regard as the most important positive feature of the current migration crisis caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war: all 27 EU Member States and other European countries have shown political will and unity in their decision to open borders and embrace Ukrainians fleeing the war and to grant temporary protection status and shelter. The European Union, its Member States, other European countries and their people have responded with unprecedented speed and generosity, providing all kinds of help to Ukrainian forced migrants. They have also launched a large number of private and public initiatives. HOUSING One of the most significant problems facing forced migrants from Ukraine is their inability to rent housing in host countries, primarily due to its high cost. The ultimate solution to the housing problem for displaced persons will be that they are able to obtain a stable income through employment, self-employment or opening their own business. Currently, the main means of providing housing for displaced persons remains the assistance of governments and charitable organizations in European countries. They make social housing available and encourage private individuals to offer accommodation to displaced persons. As an example of a programme with a long-term perspective, we can take the Polish government, which is launching a scheme to provide Ukrainian immigrants with low-cost communal housing. To this end, the Polish authorities plan to look for currently empty private premises in small settlements, rent them from the owners and rent them out again for a moderate fee for the long term to forced migrants from Ukraine. 61 There are also projects and architectural solutions for quickly assembled houses and even towns of such houses with elements of social infrastructure. 62 The construction of such towns will require significantly smaller investments than traditional capital construction. EU countries have created online platforms on which homeowners in host countries can post their housing offers. Examples include: Romania, at https://dopomoha.ro/ro, Slovakia, at https://pomocpreukrajinu.sk/, Lithuania, at https: //stipruskartu.lt/ua/, and France, at https://parrainage.refugies.info/. Unfortunately, the traffic on these sites is very low, fewer than 1000 visits per day. 63 This is very low for national level resources. It is difficult for average users to find them. The same applies to private, volunteer resources that aim to help displaced people find housing. 64 Within the framework of EU funding, IT companies(perhaps Ukrainian-European consortia) may be engaged in projects aiming at the integration of all these resources, search engine optimization, and promotion, in order to facilitate the search for content by Ukrainians, especially for housing. 61 Ścigaj: Rząd planuje niedrogie mieszkania komunalne dla uchodźców z Ukrainy; available at: https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Scigaj-Rzad-planuje-niedrogie-mieszkania-komunalne-dla-uchodzcow-z-Ukrainy-8370776.html 62 Rapidly erected settlements for migrants; available at: https://parentsforukraine.org/dopomoha/houses 63 Refugies.info; available at: https://refugies.info.websiteoutlook.com/ 64 Housing for Refugees from Ukraine: Useful Resources; available at: https://veterdoit.com/zhytlo-dlia-bizhentsiv-z-ukrainy-korysni-resursy/ 117

EMPLOYMENT A prerequisite for success in the European labour market is knowledge of the language of the host country. Accordingly, efforts to develop a network of language courses will have a delayed effect on the labour market. In the short term, it is expedient to involve forced migrants in solving their own problems and meeting their needs. The examples of France and Italy demonstrate that the simplified procedure for recognizing the qualifications of doctors from Ukraine gives them opportunities for employment in their specialty; at the same time, many resettled women complain about the language barrier, which prevents them from receiving quality medical care. Attracting doctors from Ukraine solves this problem. Setting up kindergartens for children from Ukraine, where Ukrainian refugees with relevant qualifications could work, will enable women to receive services at the standard they are used to and will create jobs for Ukrainian women. According to the results of the study, the majority of forced migrant women need psychological help. Psychologists from among forcibly displaced women who have undergone supervision and are ready to continue working with patients, can also be involved in the provision of psychological support. It is important to provide Ukrainian women with opportunities for professional development and retraining. It is advisable to encourage the cooperation of Ukrainian and European professional associations, the organization of round tables, conferences, and special certification projects to accelerate the integration of qualified workers from Ukraine into the local professional and industry community. As an example, we can cite the cooperation of the Ukrainian and Lithuanian marketing associations, as a result of which a number of vacancies in Lithuania were offered to forced migrants. 65 It is worth noting that the failure to tackle mutual recognition of qualifications between Ukraine and other European countries, insufficient language skills, lack of childcare facilities and opportunities to provide care for other dependents, in particular the elderly and disabled, can create obstacles to the integration and employment of refugees. For example, German data on the large influx of refugees between 2014 and 2016 show a very gradual integration into the labour market over time, with only 17 per cent of working-age refugees employed after two years in the country and less than 50 per cent even after five years. 66 We assume that the combination of Ukraine’s geographical and cultural proximity to Western Europe and the temporary protection that the EU has granted to Ukrainian citizens will help reduce the severity of such obstacles, increasing the participation of displaced Ukrainian women in the labour market in their countries of residence. The interviews conducted during our research and experience of the development of Ukrainian society over recent decades give reason to assert that Ukrainian women have a huge potential for entrepreneurship and private initiatives. If offered some support at the start – for example, special EU grant funding – it is likely that there will be a significant acceleration of the integration of forced migrant women into the labour market and economies of their countries of residence. As an example, the Ukrainian government programmes for microfinancing of businesses, including newly created ones, during the war have been pretty successful. 67 65 Ukrainian marketing agencies for the Lithuanian market: summary and discussion; available at: https://renginiai.lima.lt/lt/renginiai/1/view1466 66 The impact of the influx of Ukrainian refugees on the euro area labour force; available at: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/economic-bulletin/focus/2022/html/ecb.ebbox202204_03~c9ddc08308.en.html 67 Support of Business during the war: the Cabinet will approve three grant funding programs; available at: https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2022/06/21/novyna/biznes/dopomoha-biznesu-vijny-kabmin-zatverdyt-try-prohramy-hrantovoho-finansuvannya 118

LANGUAGE LEARNING ASSISTANCE The initial obstacle to the integration of forced migrant women into the European community is the lack of knowledge of host country languages. Based on the results of the study, the following steps may be recommended: – Expand the network of language courses and ensure their availability(physical and financial) for the vast majority of displaced people. Open more language courses at employment centres. Reinforce formal learning opportunities sufficient places on language courses. For example, in France, registration at the Pôle emploi(employment center) allows you to attend intensive French courses and receive a stipend to cover costs, although it is not easy to get enrolled. – Reconsider funding short-term obligatory language courses, giving preference(as the vast majority of migrants are determined to return to Ukraine as soon as possible) to longer-term courses for those willing to master the language to the level allowing them to integrate into the labour market. – Recruit Ukrainians with relevant qualifications as teachers of foreign languages. CHILDCARE AND OTHER UNPAID CARE WORK According to the results of our research, children under the age of 18 are the largest category of dependents of female Ukrainian forced migrants in European countries, therefore solving problems related to childcare is extremely important. One possible solution is the provision of grants for the organization of additional groups in kindergartens, summer camps, sports and arts activities for Ukrainian children. It is advisable to involve volunteers and employees from among forced migrant women. One best practice example is the establishment of special classes or even schools in countries with a large concentration of forced migrants. Three such schools have already been opened in Poland, in Wrocław, Krakow and Warsaw. These schools are completely Ukrainian, with Ukrainian teachers, curriculum and standards, but they also provide Polish language classes. 68 It is also expedient to organize special training on working with traumatized kids for teachers and principals of foreign schools attended by Ukrainian students who may have experienced traumatic events. According to the study, about 16 per cent of female respondents face problems related to caring for people with disabilities or serious illness, or the elderly. The most urgent problems for forced migrants are the unavailability of homes for the elderly and disabled in the host countries, the long waiting period for an appointment with a doctor, the impossibility of purchasing the necessary medicines without prescription, and the high cost of medicines. MEASURES AIMED AT ENSURING THE SAFETY OF FORCED MIGRANTS, COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE In view of the high level of complaints from forced migrant women about situations that threatened their safety, we must recommend increasing the attention paid by law enforcement agencies to the threats faced by such women, to ensure the development of systematic measures to tackle offenses against them. Training should also be organized for volunteers and public employees working with migrants to identify signs of security risks for women and children, including human trafficking or other forms of exploitation. It is important to implement protocols that ensure the protection of forced migrant women at reception 68 Ukrainian School in Poland; available at: https://thepage.ua/ua/news/pravila-vstupu-v-shkoli-zakordonom-dlya-ditej-bizhenciv-z-ukrayini 119

points and their places of residence, providing comprehensive assistance in cases of sexual abuse, which includes timely prescription of drugs to prevent pregnancy and HIV, as well as other medical and psychological support. In our opinion, it is expedient to involve Ukrainian non-profit organizations specializing in protection of the rights and safety of citizens in cooperation with municipal authorities and the police, the organization of online counselling for displaced persons and the provision of free legal assistance. IMPROVING ACCESS TO INFORMATION As noted in the section on housing for displaced women, there is a wealth of informational resources, both state and non-state, that help people to find housing. We assume that the involvement, in one form or another, of Ukrainian and European IT specialists to improve search engine optimization of these web resources will make them more accessible to Ukrainian users. These measures may also include tools for the integration and consolidation of various sites and portals containing important information, as well as translation of important official documents and instructions posted on government portals in Ukrainian. In our opinion, the formation of joint projects, IT clusters, consortia of non-profit European and Ukrainian organizations for the creation and development of internet resources and services that would improve searches and access to the necessary information would help to raise the awareness of forced migrant women of national policies, services, aid and so on. A good example that deserves to be replicated is the creation of the offline consulting centre Diya.Business, 69 opened in Warsaw thanks to the cooperation and interaction of the Polish government with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. SOLUTIONS TO ISSUES WITH RECOGNITION OF UKRAINIAN FORCED MIGRANTS’ DOCUMENTS Forced migrant women were able to leave Ukraine without any obstacles with their Ukrainian passports. Some even without any documents. However, in the framework of interviewees respondents indicated that the lack of documents was an issue. Namely, when returning to Ukraine they tried crossing the border with an EU country, but were denied unhindered crossing(for example, to Romania when returning from Bulgaria). Or women were refused services for the registration of new-born children(for example, in Spain). However, most Ukrainian women who crossed the border with a European country have a Diya application, which contains valid documents in electronic format: Ukrainian passport, biometric passport, vaccination certificate against Covid-19, documents for children, driver’s license and so on(with the exception of(in many cases elderly) people who do not use smartphones and/or do not have an application). While in Ukraine electronic documents in Diya are recognized by many state institutions, they are not valid for customs officers and government organizations in European countries, where Ukrainians register their rights to temporary residence. This, as we have seen, has become a problem for border crossings. Also, Ukrainians who left the territory of their homeland in their own cars faced the problem of recognition of driver’s licenses abroad. According to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic 70 (Ukraine is one of the countries that supported it), Ukrainian drivers' licenses in many European countries were valid for six months or more from the date of entry. 69 Dia.Business in Warsaw: Summing Up the First Couple of Weeks; available at: https://ua.interfax.com.ua/news/blog/838281.html 70 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, from 1968; available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/995_j82#Text 120

However, unfortunately, the war in Ukraine has not ended in a few weeks or months, as displaced people had hoped. Instead, according to expert forecasts, it will last at least until the end of 2022. That is, longer than the six-month driving permit for those Ukrainians who left in the first weeks of the war. We can say that a large-scale problem has arisen both for our fellow citizens and for European governments. The recognition of Ukrainian driver’s licenses in European countries would solve several problems at once: there would be no need to take an exam in another country in another language, there would be no additional financial costs for obtaining a valid license in Europe, and so on. As a result, on 7 July 2022, the European Parliament supported the decision on the temporary recognition of Ukrainian driver’s licenses. It will enter into force five days after its approval by the EU Council, 71 as reported by the press service of the European Commission, and after publication in the EU Gazette. The decision provides for the conditions of recognition of driver’s licenses and driver’s qualification cards issued in Ukraine, extension of the validity period of expired driver’s documents, procedures for checking them in case of loss or theft of driver’s licenses, prevention of fraud or forgery, as well as monitoring of the implementation of the regulation by the European Commission. Another problem related to documents was the procedure for placing children in educational institutions: many mothers faced the need to provide school administrations with children’s routine vaccination cards. Since the majority of Ukrainian parents did not have their children’s medical cards at the time of evacuation, they have to find ways to obtain photocopies, scanned copies of medical cards and translate documents. In our opinion, the initial solution to these and other problems related to document circulation could be mutual recognition between Ukraine and European countries of Ukrainians’ electronic documents, as happened, for example, with Covid-19 certificates. The Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation, for its part, took the first steps in May 2022. Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov published a message on his Telegram channel 72 that he had held personal meetings with colleagues from Latvia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Slovenia, Finland and Canada The topic of discussion was the issue of mutual recognition of digital documents in Diya abroad. As a result of meetings with colleagues, the minister noted that these countries are preparing relevant decisions on recognition. In our opinion, it is expedient for the Ministry of Digital Affairs to cooperate on this issue with all 27 EU countries and other states from outside the European Union, since Ukrainians also left for the USA, Canada and other countries. In order to ensure such cooperation, first of all, it is important to ensure the translation of existing documents in‘Diya’ into English, namely Ukrainian identity cards and driving license; and add a list of routine vaccinations, including of children. Recently, it became known that Ukraine has already taken further steps to ensure free electronic document circulation with foreign countries. Namely: on 16 August, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted resolution No. 910, 73 according to which personal data can be transferred to foreign countries using the US web portal for electronic services to ensure the possibility of using electronic display of information contained in documents by citizens of Ukraine at their request. This is important when transferring electronic copies of documents, as well as for receiving public services outside of Ukraine. Now, in our opinion, it is the turn of the EU and other countries to regulate their own procedures for accepting Ukrainians’ documents. Thus, these steps will significantly facilitate the stay of forced migrants from Ukraine. 71 The Council and the Parliament launch urgent temporary measures for Ukrainian driver documents. Press release; available at: https://www.consilium. europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/07/07/the-council-and-the-parliament-launch-urgent-temporary-measures-for-ukrainian-driver-documents/ 72 Telegram channel of Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine; available at: https://t.me/zedigital/1986 73 Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Resolution No. 910 of 16 August 2022, Kyiv. Some issues on transferring personal data outside of Ukraine by means of the Unified State Web Portal of Electronic Services; available at: https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/910-2022-%D0%BF#Text 121

AUTHORS: Natalya Bohdanets, researcher for the Strategiko Analytical Group Dr Olena Davlikanova, researcher, project coordinator of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Ukraine Oleksandr Gladunov, co-founder and expert of the Strategiko Analytical Group Dr Oksana Yashkina, Professor at the Odesa Polytechnic National University 122

The report uses photos provided by the interviewees, with their friendly permission(pages 45, 82, 83, 87 and 108). Other photos(pages 1, 6, 7, 20, 21, 31, 32, 33, 45, 54, 66, 72, 77, 83, 88, 89, 96, 114 and 115) were acquired from https://www.shutterstock.com under the standard license. The views and opinions expressed in this analytical report do not necessarily reflect the views of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung or other organizations where the authors work. Commercial use of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES) publications in any media is not permitted without the written consent of the FES.

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