The future of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands

Since the grand-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands has received more than 130.000 of Ukrainian refugees. Their legal status allows them to work and go to school, but the majority lives in crisis shelter. But with this temporary status changing in 2027, housing under stress and an uncertain outcome of the war, it is increasingly difficult to make plans for the future.

On the eve of the 4th anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion, we discuss the Ukrainian experience in the Netherlands. How do you balance the hope for a future in Ukraine with the realities of building a life in the Netherlands? How do you take charge of your life when you are dependent on the policies of the Dutch government, and the proposed long term policies of the Dutch government are far from clear? A discussion on the needs of Ukrainians, the capacities of Dutch municipalities and long term thinking in an uncertain world.