In recent years, Western European governments have increasingly embraced strategies to promote equality between migrants and EU nationals in key policy areas. One emerging trend in integration policy is mainstreaming, where the needs of vulnerable groups like immigrants are integrated into broader policies such as employment and education, rather than addressed through separate interventions. To analyze this trend, the author develops a Policy Index of Mainstreaming in Labour Market Support, covering data from 2006 to 2016 across 25 EU/EEA countries. The paper examines the scope of mainstreaming and the level of access to these mainstreamed policies for different migrant groups. It reveals that although mainstreaming challenges traditional integration models, political ideology does not always lead to significant institutional changes. This finding supports the historical-institutionalist view that policy change is often compatible with existing institutional frameworks. The Index uncovers varied policy patterns across countries, showing a complex landscape in how migrants are integrated into labor market policies. It also highlights that some countries have been more successful than others in incorporating migrant needs into mainstream policies. Despite differences in political climates, the general trend has been toward a more inclusive approach. However, the paper also points out that challenges remain, especially for groups with more specific needs. It concludes that mainstreaming has the potential to create more cohesive integration strategies, but its full implementation requires overcoming institutional and political obstacles. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader understanding of how immigration policies evolve within the framework of European labor markets.

Before the 2022 war, over 1 million Ukrainians lived legally in Poland, but Russia’s invasion brought around 1.5 million new Ukrainian refugees. By September 2023, 970,000 Ukrainian refugees remained in Poland under temporary protection. This paper analyzes data from a 2022 survey comparing pre-war and forced Ukrainian migrants to understand how to support the economic integration of the latter. The two groups differ in gender, age, family status, employment-seeking methods, and work aspirations. Despite 66% of respondents having tertiary education, only 30% of refugees spoke Polish, highlighting the need for language training. The study recommends providing language courses and employment support to help refugees find jobs matching their qualifications.

Survey results show that recent refugees are mainly highly educated women with children, unlike pre-war Ukrainian migrants, who were primarily economic workers in lower-skilled jobs. Poland’s 2022 Act introduced long-term integration support, but implementation remains a challenge. The study supports migration self-selection theory, showing that economic migrants and refugees experience different labor market trajectories. Language courses are widely accepted, but full economic integration of Ukrainian refugees faces public resistance. Some refugees are moving to Germany, likely due to better wages and welfare, rather than safety concerns. To foster integration, Poland needs national and local strategies to inform society about refugees’ contributions and encourage businesses to hire them.