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.

For More Information

Communication from the Commission to the Parliament and Council on a predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU

Commission proposal for a Council Implementing Decision on extending temporary protection

Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine

Temporary protection for those fleeing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: one year on

Solidarity with Ukraine
Questions and answers
Factsheet

Quote(s)

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.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Europe's commitment and support to Ukraine are rooted in our shared commitment to democracy and security of our continent. Extending temporary protection is a vital step and yet another proof of our solidarity. At the same time, we must prepare for transitioning to other legal statuses and for gradual return and sustainable reintegration when temporary measures no longer apply. With today’s proposals we provide stability in the face of uncertainty for those who stay in the EU but also offer the opportunity to safely return home to those who decide to do so. In all we do we will stand by Ukraine for as long as needed.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

Millions of displaced people from Ukraine have found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU thanks to temporary protection. 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, including supporting safe and dignified returns now and in the future. More than anything, Ukraine needs its people, and we have to help Ukrainians make informed decisions about their future – whether that be to return home or to continue supporting Ukraine from here for the time being. To support this goal, we will lend our full support to the Ukrainian initiative of Unity Hubs.

Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration