EU sees refugees spike after Ukraine eases exit rules for some men
In September, more people fled from Ukraine to the European Union than in any month in the past two years, data from the EU statistics office Eurostat showed on Monday.
The surge follows a relaxation of exit restrictions for men, allowing young men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border.
About 79,000 refugees were granted temporary protection, a 49% increase from August, it said.
Previously, like conscripts aged 23 to 60, they were generally barred from leaving due to martial law and mobilization following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Since the start of the war, more than 4.3 million people have fled Ukraine to the European Union, Eurostat figures showed, with Germany hosting the largest share – more than 1.2 million (28.3%).
Many Ukrainian refugees are eligible to work in the EU and receive social benefits and medical care without applying for asylum.
About two months ago, EU countries extended this protection status until March 2027.
