The presence of Ukrainians in Poland is increasingly recognized as a structural contributor to the European labor market, rather than a temporary fix for workforce shortages. As of January 2026, more than 850,000 Ukrainians—around 5% of Poland’s workforce—are employed across critical sectors including construction, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, where labor deficits directly constrain production capacity European Pravda.
Entrepreneurship and added value
Ukrainian entrepreneurs have registered approximately 150,000 sole proprietorships and numerous companies in Poland, expanding the tax base and formal employment. This activity generates a multiplier effect, stimulating local supply networks and service sectors, while integrating businesses into European regulatory frameworks. The model demonstrates how labor mobility can enhance EU competitiveness through productivity gains without relying on low-cost labor.
Skills harmonization and productivity
Efforts to unify recognition of qualifications and access to regulated professions reduce market fragmentation, improving predictability for investors and minimizing transactional costs for hiring across jurisdictions. Formalizing employment and aligning professional skills with demand increases overall factor productivity, enabling faster returns on infrastructure and industrial projects without additional investment in training or retraining.
Long-term strategic benefits
The circulation of human capital ensures that skills acquired within the EU contribute to Ukraine’s recovery, creating a stable and predictable environment for investment and supply chains. Harmonized professional standards and shared work practices facilitate integration of Ukrainian businesses into European value chains, fostering technological compatibility and long-term strategic stability. By shifting from crisis-driven migration management to planning based on economic needs, the EU strengthens both market efficiency and political legitimacy of labor integration policies.
