Czechia Seeks Exemption from EU Solidarity Fund Amidst Major Ukrainian Refugee Strain

EU Recognizes Czechia's Migration Burden

The European Commission has officially recognized the Czech Republic as a country experiencing a 'significant migration situation' due to the substantial influx of refugees from Ukraine. This classification, outlined in the Commission's first annual report on migration and asylum, allows Czechia to seek an exemption from the financial obligations of the upcoming EU Solidarity Fund.

Vít Rakušan, the Czech Minister of Interior, confirmed that an official letter requesting a complete exemption from contributing to the common budget for addressing illegal migration has been sent to the European Commission. Outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala supported this move, stating that the Commission's report validates Czechia's position that it should not be required to accept or fund additional migrants.

High Number of Ukrainian Refugees Hosted

Czechia currently hosts the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita within the European Union. As of late September 2025, approximately 396,500 Ukrainians held temporary protection status in the country. More recent figures from early November 2025 indicate that 397,421 individuals from Ukraine were under temporary protection in the Czech Republic. This number has shown a consistent increase compared to previous years, with a notable rise in the proportion of men of working age.

The continuous arrival of refugees has placed considerable strain on the nation's resources, prompting the government to seek relief from future EU migration-related financial commitments. Officials have stated that the measure is necessary to sustain essential services for refugees, including shelter, healthcare, and schooling.

Economic Contributions and Integration Challenges

Despite the significant humanitarian and logistical challenges, Ukrainian refugees have also made substantial economic contributions to the Czech Republic. According to the Ministry of Labour, tax and contribution revenues generated by Ukrainian refugees now surpass the state's expenditure on their support.

• In the third quarter of 2025, 8.2 billion crowns flowed into the state budget from taxes and contributions by Ukrainian refugees.
• During the same period, 3.9 billion crowns were spent on refugee support and healthcare.
• Since the beginning of the conflict, Czechia has allocated around 74 billion crowns for aid, while recouping approximately 80 billion crowns through taxes and contributions.

However, the rapid influx has also highlighted challenges related to integration, including housing, education, and social services.

The EU Solidarity Fund and Future Steps

The EU Solidarity Fund is a key component of the EU's new Migration and Asylum Pact, which is scheduled to come into effect in mid-2026. This mechanism is designed to offer financial and practical assistance to member states facing disproportionate migration pressures. Member states typically fulfill their solidarity obligations through various means, including relocating asylum-seekers, providing financial contributions, or offering operational support.

Czechia is not alone in its classification; other countries such as Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Austria, and Poland have also been identified as facing significant migration situations and may similarly request exemptions. Conversely, countries like Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy, which are under strong migratory pressure due to disproportionate arrivals, will be eligible for support from the fund.

A final decision regarding Czechia's exemption request is anticipated at an EU Council meeting on December 8. The European Commission is expected to reassess migration pressures annually to ensure that support and exemptions accurately reflect current conditions across member states.