On June 20, Lviv Polytechnic National University hosted a presentation of the results of the study «Value Orientations of Ukrainian Forced Migrants in Spain and Poland».
The event brought together scholars, government officials, and the public to discuss topical issues of Ukrainians living abroad. The event was hosted by Iryna Kliuchkovska, who gave the floor to Yurii Bobalo, Rector of the University. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the study for their fruitful work and emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of Ukrainian emigrants in this difficult time.
The project was led by Oksana Piatkovska, who presented the key objectives of the study: to understand the emotional state of Ukrainian emigrants in Poland and Spain, to identify factors that affect their lives, to study the attitude of the population of these countries towards Ukrainian refugees, to determine the value orientations of Ukrainians abroad, and to find out how they see Ukraine in 10 years.
More than 1000 Ukrainian emigrants took part in the survey, which allowed us to draw up a thorough picture of their lives and attitudes.
Here are some of the key findings: Ukrainian expats generally feel good (9 and 10 points out of 10), but at the same time feel anxiety and uncertainty about the future. 45% of respondents believe that their lives depend on both themselves and external circumstances, while 40% believe that it depends only on them. Attitudes of the local population: 51% of respondents believe that the attitude of the population of Spain and Poland towards Ukrainian refugees is rather good, 47% – neutral.
Family, work and religion are important values for Ukrainians in both Poland and Spain. Ukrainians abroad generally have a low level of trust in various organizations, social networks, and government institutions, but most respondents believe that Ukraine will be a successful country in 10 years.
The participants of the presentation discussed the importance of this study for understanding the needs and problems of Ukrainian emigrants, as well as how the results of the study can be used for the reintegration and recovery of Ukraine and what role state institutions can play in supporting Ukrainians abroad.
Researcher Oksana Yurynets emphasized that this study is extremely important because it will help to better understand Ukrainian emigrants and their needs. According to Mariana Siurochuk, the initiator of the study, people’s opinions change every year and even every month depending on the situation. Previously, similar studies were conducted in 2022 and showed clear changes. Therefore, it is necessary to track changes in the opinions and attitudes of Ukrainian emigrants over time in order to respond adequately to their needs and challenges.
