The European Response to Challenges of the Integration of Ukrainian Migrant Children in EU Countries

Abstract

The article examines the challenges and prospects of integrating Ukrainian migrant children into the educational and socio-cultural systems of the European Union in the context of mass forced displacement caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The study highlights the multidimensional nature of the issue, focusing on educational, socio-cultural, and institutional dimensions of adaptation. Particular attention is paid to language barriers, shortages of qualified teaching staff, incompatibility of curricula, and the psychological and social consequences of adaptation processes. At the socio-cultural level, the risks of marginalization, discrimination, xenophobia, and cultural isolation are analyzed, as well as the transformative impact of Ukrainian migration on the cultural landscapes of host societies. The problem of institutionalization of Ukrainian children in EU countries is explored, emphasizing the lack of unified strategies for legal status determination, access to social protection, and comprehensive integration into educational and healthcare systems. The article substantiates the relevance of the research by emphasizing the strategic importance of children’s integration for both the resilience of host societies and Ukraine’s future recovery. The analysis draws upon interdisciplinary approaches combining sociology, pedagogy, migration studies, and political science, while also relying on empirical data from European research centers and international organizations. The study concludes that the effective integration of Ukrainian children requires a coordinated interagency approach at national and supranational levels, ensuring not only access to education and social services, but also the preservation of cultural identity, prevention of social exclusion, and preparation for potential reintegration into Ukrainian society. The findings have theoretical significance for the development of migration sociology and practical value for shaping educational and social policies in EU countries.