EU proposes extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees
The European Commission proposed on Wednesday to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees. It also proposed several measures to support Ukrainian nationals in the longer term.
Shortly after Russia's invasion in 2022, EU member states activated the Temporary Protection Directive, allowing Ukrainian refugees to bypass the traditional asylum process and immediately access housing, social assistance, healthcare, education, and the labour market. Today, around 4.3 million Ukrainians benefit from this status across the EU, including over 93,000 in Belgium.
The directive has already been extended several times, and is set to expire on 4 March 2026. The European Commission is now proposing to prolong it once more - until 4 March 2027. To support this extension, the Commission is making an additional 4 billion euros available to member states, on top of the 15 billion euros already allocated.
Long-term planning
At the same time, the Commission is looking further ahead to the future. On the one hand, it wants member states to promote and facilitate the transition to other legal statuses for Ukrainians who wish to remain in the EU, for example with residence permits or long-term residence status.
For Ukrainians who do not want to do so, the Commission wants to create a path forward for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration. That would include setting up information centres, organising exploratory visits to Ukraine and working out voluntary return programmes in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities.
"More than anything, Ukraine needs its people"
"As the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, we will prolong this protection for an additional year, whilst preparing the way for a smooth transition out of temporary protection," said European Migration commissioner Magnus Brunner. "More than anything, Ukraine needs its people, and we have to help Ukrainians make informed decisions about their future."
It is now up to the Member States to decide on the Commission's proposal.
© BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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