Poland, hosting nearly one million Ukrainian refugees under EU protection, faces a complex dynamic as displaced families grapple with whether to rebuild their lives abroad or return home. A recent UNHCR–Deloitte report highlights their significant economic contribution, estimating a 2.7% boost to Poland’s GDP in 2023. Employment rates among refugees rose from 61% to 69% last year, yet 52% remain uncertain about their long-term plans.
At Warsaw’s “Ukrainian Home” NGO, refugees like 65-year-old Michal weigh practical realities against emotional ties. “My pension in Ukraine was $60. Here, my wife earns over $1,100 monthly,” he said. “If things improve, I’ll return—but otherwise, it’s hard.”
While economic stability in Poland offers respite, fading hopes for a swift peace deal in Ukraine leave many torn. Analysts note that prolonged displacement could reshape labor markets and cross-border ties, with implications for both nations’ post-conflict recovery.
