The European Commission (EC) has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians displaced by war until March 4, 2027, citing ongoing conflict and unsafe conditions for large-scale returns. The current protection, granted after Russia’s 2022 invasion, was set to expire in March 2026.
Nearly 4.3 Million Beneficiaries
As of March 2025, 4.3 million displaced Ukrainians—including one-third children—are covered under the EU’s emergency mechanism, activated in March 2022. The EC emphasized that prolonged hostilities make safe repatriation impossible but stressed the need for coordinated long-term planning.
Transition to Long-Term Statuses
While extending protection, the EC urged member states to facilitate transitions to residence permits for work, study, or family reunification. “We encourage states to help people regularize their status now—whether through work visas or student permits,” said EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner in Brussels.
Preparing for Future Returns
The EC is drafting a repatriation plan for post-conflict scenarios, including:
- Voluntary return programs
- Exploratory visits to assess safety
- Support for vulnerable groups until Ukraine can fully reintegrate them
Unity Hubs and an EU Special Envoy
EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for “Unity Hubs”—information centers to aid both integration in host countries and eventual returns. The EC will also appoint an EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians to streamline coordination between member states and Kyiv.
Next Steps
The proposal requires formal approval by the EU Council. The directive has so far eased pressure on national asylum systems while ensuring uniform rights for displaced Ukrainians across the bloc.
“The situation remains unstable,” Brunner noted, “but if a ceasefire holds, we can adjust protection accordingly.”
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