Commission proposes predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainian refugees in the EU

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Today, the Commission is setting out a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. This will ensure stability and continued protection, while also paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection once the necessary conditions are met. By doing so, the Commission is reinforcing its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine for as long as needed.

President von der Leyen said: “Since 2022 we have provided protection for those fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and we continue to do so. And together with Ukraine we pave the way for people to be able to return and rebuild their homes once it is safe.” 

With Russia continuing its illegal attacks, and the situation in Ukraine remaining volatile, the Commission is proposing to prolong the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for an additional year until 4 March 2027. This will provide legal certainty to those enjoying temporary protection and to Member States, ensuring that the same standards of protection continue to apply across the EU. It will also reassure displaced people from Ukraine that applying for international protection is not necessary nor required.

To offer a more stable and lasting perspective, the Commission is also proposing to Member States to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection by way of a Council Recommendation. The proposed measures address the needs of those residing in the EU as well as the need for Ukraine to rebuild the country, including by supporting safe, voluntary and dignified returns and reintegration.

The Council Recommendation includes the following measures:

• To promote and facilitate the transition into other legal statuses: many of those enjoying temporary protection have integrated into their host societies by learning the language, finding employment or following education. They should have the possibility to transition into national or EU legal statuses that better reflect their new situation. These could be residence permits based on employment, education, research, or a national long-term resident status.

• To pave the way for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine taking into account the needs and capacity of Ukraine: Allowing exploratory visits to Ukraine could help those considering a return home to make informed decisions. Member States should also set up voluntary return programmes in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities to allow for a gradual return home when temporary protection ends.
• Better information about available options: The Commission supports the establishment of Unity Hubs in Member States, in collaboration with the Ukrainian authorities. Unity Hubs will serve as multipurpose information centres for both the integration of displaced people in host societies and for returns to Ukraine. They can be financed with the help of Commission funding under the Asylum, Migration and Integration fund (AMIF). To support Member States, the Commission will also appoint a Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU.
• Coordination and information exchange between Member States and Ukraine: Information exchange between Member States should continue through the Solidarity Platform, and by timely updating data in the Temporary Protection Registration Platform. The EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network with a focus on Ukraine, and the Solidarity Platform Ukraine will continue to provide a common situational awareness and a coordinated response.

Next steps

It is now for the Council to formally adopt the Commission proposal to extend temporary protection by one year and the proposal for a Council Recommendation.

Background

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, over 4.3 million displaced people from Ukraine have found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU. Member States and their citizens have sent a powerful message of solidarity towards Ukraine and its people fleeing the war, by offering them immediate protection and support, including access to accommodation, healthcare, education and employment.

The activation of the Temporary Protection Directive set out a common EU approach, giving predictability and legal certainty both to the displaced persons from Ukraine and to the Member States. It has provided immediate protection while also preventing an additional strain on already overstretched national asylum systems. Temporary protection, currently in place until March 2026, has therefore proven to be an effective and proportionate response to the exceptional circumstances. If the circumstances change in Ukraine, allowing for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine, the Commission can make a proposal to the Council to suspend the temporary protection earlier than its foreseen end date.