The geopolitical events of recent years (Euromaidan, annexation of Crimea, armed conflict in eastern part of Ukraine, full-scale Russian military invasion) have brought Ukraine into the focus of international interest. These geopolitical changes resulted in a massive influx of Ukrainian citizens to EU countries. In addition to blue-collar workers, more than 7 million refugees fled to Europe in 2022, mostly women and children. This population movement created unprecedented challenges and humanitarian crises in many countries and cities, demanding quick and flexible public policies and involvement of civic society. Socio-economic impact on host societies is profound, as divergent approaches to integration efforts, access to housing, health care and labor market, inter-ethnic relations and legislation are present among EU countries. Thus, both previous integration efforts and current policies can be discussed and their outcomes and consequences evaluated.

The main aim of this session is to bring together new knowledge on migration and integration issues in Europe with a special focus on migrants from Ukraine. Taking into account different scales and geographical foci, we welcome speakers to present theoretical-conceptual reflections, methodological approaches, and empirical results that contribute to a deeper understanding of how the Ukrainian crises transformed the migration patterns and socio-economic processes in Europe.

Proposed topics to address in this part of the session include (but are not limited to):