The Council of Europe Division on Migration and Refugees (DMR) has published a report following its mission to Poland on 4 -5 February 2026, which focused on the reception and integration of Ukrainian war-displaced persons in the country, currently approximately one million, making Poland the country hosting the second largest number of Ukrainians with temporary protection. The mission also tackled issues concerning the identification and protection of particularly vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers, and the challenging situation of migratory movements at the eastern border.

The report notes a number of proactive and constructive measures by Polish authorities to support migrants and refugees, including the rapid introduction of broad legal entitlements for war-displaced Ukrainians which enabled access to employment, education, healthcare, and social benefits. In addition, the creation and planned expansion of Foreigners’ Integration Centres, increased investment in language and employment support, and active collaboration with municipal governments and civil society organisations all demonstrate a commitment to promoting social inclusion and integration.

The mission also enabled the DMR to identify areas in which the Council of Europe may render practical assistance to the authorities of Poland in areas which may include: training activities (also by use of the Council of Europe HELP Programme) for border guards and legal professionals concerning migrant children’s age assessment; enhancing the incorporation and effective use of the Council of Europe European Qualifications Passport for Refugees, in cases where there is missing or insufficient documentation; support and reinforce Polish cities’ participation in the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities (ICC) Programme, in which Krakow, Lublin and Wroclaw already are active.