The number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU currently remains relatively constant, according to figures from the European Commission. The number of people arriving in the EU is currently about the same as the number returning to Ukraine from the EU, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said in an interview with several news agencies on Wednesday.
Between 35,000 and 40,000 people travel from the EU to Ukraine every day. The Swedish Commissioner emphasizes that it is not about the number of people who return permanently, and that this also includes border traffic.
“At the moment we see that not many people arrive from Ukraine. And that’s why the emphasis is on supporting those who want to return,” Johansson said. But one must remain cautious given the war in Ukraine. If the situation worsens, people are always welcome back in the EU.
There is no reliable data on the number of people who have decided to return for good. Johansson, who visited the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Tuesday, said she wanted to discuss this with EU member states.
“The war continues, but at the same time the Ukrainians want to return to normality as much as possible,” Johansson said. That is only possible in parts of the country. That is why the government is trying to rebuild schools, remove mines and prepare for winter. The EU also helps, for example with dogs to find mines, or with money. It is important that those who return permanently to Ukraine are also welcome back to the EU if the situation worsens, Johansson added. The EU and Ukraine want to work together to raise awareness about this.
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