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Cyprus had 24,890 people registered under the EU’s temporary protection program for those displaced by the war in Ukraine at the end of March 2026, according to new figures released by Eurostat.
Across the European Union, the number of non-EU citizens receiving temporary protection stood at 4.33 million on March 31. That marked a monthly decrease of 68,980 people, or 1.6 percent, compared with the end of February.
Germany continued to host the largest number of beneficiaries, with just over 1.27 million people, followed by Poland with 961,405 and Czechia with 379,820.
Cyprus remained among the EU countries with a comparatively high share of people under temporary protection relative to its population size. The island recorded one of the highest ratios in Europe, with roughly 20 beneficiaries per 1,000 residents, more than double the EU average of 9.6 per 1,000 people.
Eurostat said the figures for Cyprus, Greece and Spain include some individuals whose temporary protection status may no longer have been valid at the end of the reporting month.
The latest data showed mixed trends across the bloc. Fourteen EU countries recorded increases in the number of people under protection during March, while 13 reported declines. Germany posted the largest numerical increase, adding 7,480 people. Spain and Romania also registered gains.
Italy saw the sharpest monthly drop after more than 30,000 permits expired during the country’s annual renewal process. Czechia and Finland also recorded significant decreases.
Ukrainian nationals accounted for more than 98 percent of all people receiving temporary protection in the EU. Adult women represented the largest group at 43.3 percent, while minors made up 30.1 percent and adult men accounted for 26.6 percent.
The temporary protection mechanism was first activated by the EU in March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The measure allows displaced people to live, work, access healthcare and attend school across EU member states without going through the standard asylum process.
Last year, the European Council agreed to extend the protection framework until March 2027.
