Context and urgent need
Since February 24, 2022, the full-scale aggression against Ukraine has caused massive population displacement. More than 4.7 million Ukrainians are currently under temporary protection in the European Union, with legal access to the labor market, social services, education and healthcare. These unprecedented solidarity measures have provided millions of Ukrainian citizens with the opportunity to find refuge, dignity and work in European countries.
But this response is not only humanitarian, but also strategic. It offers a historic opportunity to build a winning model for both Europe and Ukraine, and it is called a long-term circular migration strategy.
This is a model in which migrants can temporarily work abroad, acquire new skills, send money to their families, stay in businesses or firms there, and be able to return to their country of origin without losing their rights, connections, and economic potential.
In contrast to permanent migration, the circular model preserves family and civic ties to the homeland while strengthening host countries through the labor contribution of Ukrainians.
It is the EU that should support this strategy! It is a response to the real needs of today. In 2025, the EU is discussing the end of the temporary protection regime (March 2026). At the same time, data shows that Ukrainians will want to return to Ukraine, but only if there is stability, employment, and recognition of their experience. Our citizens already work in strategic sectors of the EU economy (medicine, transportation, agriculture, IT). Their professional experience abroad is a valuable resource not only for their host countries, but also for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Neighboring EU member states (Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia) are already implementing flexible tools for Ukrainians to access the labor market. A European circular migration strategy could strengthen these efforts by supporting legal and safe mobility. Such programs provide an opportunity for a comfortable life and maintaining ties with the country of origin. The experience of cooperation with IOM has shown that decent conditions abroad stimulate the desire to return. In Lithuania, for example, more than 50% of Ukrainians plan to return if security and employment in Ukraine are ensured.
Therefore, bilateral agreements on circular migration with Ukraine, which would allow temporary work with a guarantee of return, transfer of social rights and mutual recognition of qualifications, are the way to success and continued integration into the EU.
For this purpose, it is very good to finance vocational training programs and recognition of acquired skills in cooperation with employment services. Support integration and reintegration initiatives, such as the MICenter in Lithuania or the Diia.Business hubs in Poland.
Introduce a European monitoring system to facilitate the portability of rights (health insurance, pensions, education).
Implementing such a strategy is a win-win for everyone.
Supporting the circular migration of Ukrainians is a contribution to both Ukraine’s reconstruction and Europe’s demographic sustainability. It is an innovative model of mobility based on mutual respect, trust and solidarity.
The EU has already demonstrated its determination to help.
It is time to act with foresight. Ukraine is ready to cooperate. Europe should seize this opportunity.
Mykhailo Miroshnychenko