European and neighbouring countries are coping with significant numbers of refugees, international protection applicants, and internally displaced people due to war and persecution.

 

The number of refugees in Europe more than doubled in 2022. In Ukraine the number who were internally displaced rose to over 5 million in 2023. Millions who fled the war in Ukraine require ongoing support, inside Ukraine, in neighbouring countries, and across the EU, with significant short-term humanitarian needs, such as housing and education, and medium -longer-term employment needs such as state supports and training.

 

The war in Ukraine also also caused significant impact on the European tourism industry. Impacts from the war included the decimation of the Ukrainian tourism industry and knock on effects on EU countries, including through the refugee crisis, high levels of inflation and significant usage of tourism infrastructure for accommodating people seeking
international protection.