SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS OF THE REFUGEE MOVEMENT FROM UKRAINE TO EU COUNTRIES: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The process of forced migration of people from one country to another has unprecedented economic and political consequences for both sides. Besides, it is a complex multi-component process that affects the labor market, financial activities in the country, political decisions and electoral process, socio-cultural communications and other processes. The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022 caused a mass wave of Ukrainian refugees from a country engulfed in full-scale war. Since the invasion of Russian troops from the very beginning took place along the entire border of Ukraine with Russia and part of the northern border with the Republic of Belarus, this determined the main direction of migration of Ukrainian refugees to the West. The reaction of European countries, as well as the opening of the borders of the Schengen zone, was of crusial importance to certain parties of migrants from Ukraine. After a year of the full-scale invasion, we can observe an uneven distribution of forced migrants from Ukraine seeking asylum among EU countries. Despite the fact that the general political position of the EU countries was more or less consequential in relation to refugees from Ukraine. Therefore, in this context, the experience of the EU migration crisis of 2015, which influenced the political position and legislative aspects regarding refugees from Ukraine, is taken into account. As well as the exploration and analysis of influencing factors, this could have the greatest importance in the uneven distribution of refugees between EU countries. Expected results of this research paper would clarify how migration policy has changed since 2015 and what correlations can be build. The conclusions of the paper might be lightening narratives for the adequate protection and assistance of those who have been forcibly up-rooted and be considered in migration and asylum policy. This is especially important in the post-truth era, when appeals to feelings stronger than facts and reliable information. Ago conscientious and professional approach to mostly complex topics - this is the only chance to build a positive relationship and ensure socio-economic development. This applies to both internal affairs, and mutual relations between countries.