**Over 25,400 Ukrainians Under Temporary Protection in Cyprus**
The number of Ukrainians receiving temporary protection in Cyprus has reached 25,490, according to recent data released by Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical service. This figure, reported for May 2023, marks an increase from the 24,880 individuals recorded in April.
Cyprus has emerged as one of the countries with the highest rates of temporary protection beneficiaries relative to its population. With 25.9 beneficiaries per 1,000 inhabitants, Cyprus ranks third in the EU, following Slovakia, which has a rate of 26.8, and Poland at 26.5. In contrast, the EU average stands significantly lower at 9.7 beneficiaries per 1,000 inhabitants.
The data indicates that the overall number of Ukrainians under temporary protection across the European Union has reached 4.38 million as of May, reflecting a slight increase of 0.2 percent from the previous month. This figure underscores the ongoing humanitarian response to the conflict in Ukraine, which has led to a significant number of displaced individuals seeking refuge in various EU member states.
Germany continues to host the largest population of Ukrainians under temporary protection, with approximately 1.28 million individuals. Poland follows closely with 967,505 beneficiaries. This trend highlights the critical role that these countries play in providing support and shelter to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
In addition to Cyprus, 22 out of the 26 EU member states reporting data have seen an increase in the number of temporary protection beneficiaries. Notably, Italy experienced the most significant rise, with a 15.3 percent increase, while Spain recorded a more modest increase of 0.9 percent. Conversely, Bulgaria and France reported declines in their numbers, with decreases of 14.8 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.
The high number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in Cyprus reflects the island's commitment to assisting those fleeing conflict. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the EU's collective response remains crucial in addressing the needs of displaced populations. The ongoing support for these individuals not only highlights the humanitarian efforts within the EU but also emphasizes the importance of solidarity among member states in times of crisis.