Half of the Ukrainians in Europe have already found work. But on closer inspection, this is not a success story. It is the story of a complex, unequal, and ultimately fair process in which people don't start from scratch, but also cannot immediately live at their accustomed standard of living.

It is estimated that by 2025, between 6 and 6.5 million Ukrainians will be living in Europe, having fled after the start of the full-scale war. This is one of the largest migrations in Europe in recent decades.

And the crucial question everyone is asking: How many of them have actually integrated into the labor market?

According to the UN, the answer is: 57% of Ukrainians of working age are already working in Europe.

At first glance, this is a strong result. However, it requires explanation.

There are countries where the concentration of Ukrainians and the employment rate are highest:

• Poland – approximately 741,000 working Ukrainians

• Germany – over 270,000 officially employed

• Czech Republic, Spain, Italy – smaller but stable markets

In fact, Ukrainians represent the largest group of foreign workers in many EU countries.

This is no longer a "temporary phenomenon", but a part of the European economy.

The most important point is : Almost 60% of Ukrainians are working below their qualifications.

That means:

• Marketing staff → Cashier

• Lawyers → Administrative Officials

• Entrepreneur → Service Employee

And this isn't a problem with people. It's the logic of the system.

There are four main reasons:

1. Language. Even B1-B2 level does not automatically equate to professional language.

2. Untranslated experience. What worked in Ukraine is not always "understandable" in Europe.

3. The market doesn't know you. You don't have:

• local experiences

• Recommendations

• network

4. Speed. People choose to make money quickly instead of building a career over a longer period of time.

And here comes an important point.

In comparison, other migrant groups in Europe need 5-6 years to reach the employment level that Ukrainians achieved in 2-3 years.

That means:

The adaptation is happening faster than expected, and the potential is much higher than the current results.

Alongside the real data, the simplistic and easily manipulated claim regularly surfaces in the information sphere: "Ukrainians don't work and live off social benefits." Such narratives are actively seized upon and disseminated, particularly in Russian information campaigns, to weaken support for Ukrainians in Europe. It is important to consider the facts: The majority of employable Ukrainians are already employed or seeking work, and the employment rate is rising rapidly. As in any large group, there are exceptions—including those who receive social benefits for extended periods. However, these exceptions do not define the overall picture. That picture is defined by something else: Millions of people who are adapting, working, paying taxes, and gradually regaining their professional standing under the new circumstances.

We are only seeing the first phase now – the phase of survival and stabilization.

Next up:

1. Job change

2. Return to work

3. Business start-up

4. Establishing a new Ukrainian economic presence in Europe

57% is not the endpoint, but the beginning of the process.

Ukrainians in Europe are already working. But they are not yet working at their full potential.

The essential difference between these two states does not lie in time.

It's about access to opportunities, a suitable environment, and understanding how to translate one's experiences into a new reality.