BRUSSELS 

EU member states received a total of €3.5 billion ($3.7 billion) from the EU budget to manage the arrival of Ukrainian refugees, the European Commission announced on Thursday. 


“The (European) Commission has paid more than €3.5 billion in advance payments to Member States to help them manage the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine on their territory,” the EU executive body said in a statement.


The funds came as pre-financing from post-pandemic recovery programs following an amendment to the EU budget which was approved earlier this month.


“People fleeing the war in Ukraine need immediate support to rebuild their lives in safety,” EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit said.

“With these advance payments, Member States can offer food, accommodation, healthcare, education, help to access jobs, and more to those in need,” he added.


EU countries neighboring Ukraine, which hosted the most refugees after Russia’s war started on Feb. 24, are the biggest beneficiaries of the budgetary transfer.


Poland received over €562 million, while Romania and Hungary benefitted from €450 million and €300 million, respectively.


The Czech Republic and Slovakia were supported by €284 million and €209 million, respectively.


Italy and Spain, which are popular destinations because of their significant Ukrainian communities, were paid €452 million and €434 million.


Under the EU temporary protection directive, Ukrainian nationals, their family members, and residents of the country are entitled to protection in any EU member state.


The protection scheme grants the right to work, residency, education, social allowances, and medical assistance for at least a year with a possible extension of two years.


According to the European Commission’s figures, the European Union hosts over 4 million Ukrainian refugees.