Comparing Emotional Dynamics in Narratives of Ukrainian and Non-Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection in the EU

The Council of the EU Implementing Decision 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 introducing temporary protection (TP) for Ukraine residents after Russia’s full-scale invasion has covered not only Ukraine nationals, but also nationals of other countries who resided in Ukraine. According to Eurostat, approximately 2% of beneficiaries of TP in the EU are non-Ukraine nationals. At the same time, in some countries, like Portugal, this share is much higher, reaching 13%, with TP beneficiaries being from Nigeria, Morocco, India, Russia, and Algeria (AIMA). Still, the perspective and experiences of non-Ukrainian beneficiaries of TP are less explored in contemporary academic research.

This paper proposes to compare emotional dynamics in narratives of Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian beneficiaries of TP, using data of around 30 semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian refugees in Portugal in Italy, and 3 to 5 interviews with non-Ukrainian beneficiaries of TP. This comparison will serve to better investigate and understand implications of the unique policy framework created by launching the EU’s TP Directive, in terms of responding to individuals' emotional needs, provoking emotional reactions, (re)building the sense of ontological security and belonging in the context of forced migration.