What We Can Learn from Hosting Ukrainian Refugees

When millions of people fled the war in Ukraine in early 2022, Europe faced a huge challenge: to provide quick help, safe shelter – and answer the question: Where should these people live?

The answer came through an unprecedented use of the Temporary Protection Directive (Directive 2001/55/EC). For the first time since its introduction in 2001, this policy was activated – with major consequences for the housing situation of Ukrainian refugees in Germany.

What is the Temporary Protection Directive?
The Temporary Protection Directive was introduced in 2001 to allow EU member states to grant humanitarian residency without requiring an asylum application in the event of a so-called mass influx of refugees. In Germany, this principle is implemented in Section 24 of the Residency Act. The Directive was activated on 4 March 2022 and applies to all people fleeing Ukraine after Russia’s invasion. It provides Ukrainians with fast access to housing, work, education, healthcare, and social benefits. Unlike refugees from other countries of origin, Ukrainians can choose their place of residence, meaning that they can live in private accommodation or with family and friends. Otherwise, they can opt for state-provided refugee accommodation.

Private housing has been the most popular choice: according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), by early 2023 around 79% of Ukrainian refugees were living in private accommodation.

Advantages of the Temporary Protection Directive for housing
The Temporary Protection Directive has proven to be beneficial for the housing situation of Ukrainians in Germany. Exempt from the obligation to live in reception centres, they have the freedom to decide where they want to live. Many stay with family, friends, or in places where they already have social contacts. Such networks can make it easier to find work, access information and services, and contribute to better mental well-being.

When refugees can choose their place of residence, they can better meet their needs – for example, having good access to public transport, childcare facilities, or the workplace. These conditions are not always guaranteed in remote communal housing. The place of residence therefore has a strong influence on economic and social participation.

How does the current housing situation affect refugees?
Studies show that private accommodation, as opposed to communal refugee housing, is associated with stronger integration. Research by the Immigration Policy Lab at Stanford and ETH Zurich finds a positive link between private accommodation and the social, psychological, and practical aspects of integration for Ukrainian refugees.

What can we learn from this?
The application of the EU Temporary Protection Directive clearly shows that refugees' access to the housing market depends primarily on the framework conditions that are created. Given the success of private accommodation in supporting both the social participation of Ukrainian refugees, it would only make sense to extend this right to all refugees. When people can choose where they live, they can make use of existing networks, feel more stable mentally, settle more easily into a new environment, and take a more active part in society.

In our "Housing for All" series, we regularly present inspiring initiatives, models and ideas from Brandenburg and across Germany that are working to improve living conditions for displaced people.