The European Union has officially announced the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until March 2027
This important decision was communicated by representatives of the European Commission, namely European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner and Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksii Chernyshov. According to them, this initiative provides an opportunity for Ukrainians who left the country due to the war to remain within EU countries for almost two more years, ensuring legal status and stability for them and their families during this period of uncertainty. The decision to extend the validity of temporary protection, which will enter into force on March 4, 2024, and remain in effect until 2027, is a strategic step by the European Union in addressing the issue of mass migration of Ukrainians amid ongoing Russian aggression. The European Commission is already preparing recommendations for member states on further integration of Ukrainian citizens who have left their homes due to the war, as well as creating conditions for their safe and legal return once the conflict ends. According to Brunner and Chernyshov, the situation in Ukraine remains unstable due to active hostilities and new attacks by Russian forces. As a result, the EU aims to provide the most tailored solutions for those fleeing the war and finding themselves in EU countries. This is why the extension of temporary protection was proposed for another year, with provisions for further renewal and review. In the developed recommendations, the European Commission proposes that member states establish mechanisms to facilitate the transition of Ukrainian refugees to other legal statuses—such as residence permits for work, study, or scientific activities—and the possibility to obtain long-term residence status. This will allow Ukrainians who have already integrated into local communities to remain more stably and legally in EU countries even after temporary protection expires. Furthermore, approaches to the return of Ukrainians are planned to be voluntary and dignified. Special return programs are envisaged, which will cooperate with Ukrainian authorities to facilitate a gradual and safe return, as well as opportunities for informational visits to Ukraine for those Ukrainians considering it as their final destination. A separate point in the recommendations concerns the establishment of Centres of Unity in EU countries, serving as platforms to assist with Ukrainian integration and prepare them for possible return. These centres will be funded by the European Commission through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Additionally, under new initiatives, a Special EU Envoy for Ukrainians will be appointed to coordinate efforts among member states and support cooperation with Ukraine. Coordination mechanisms such as the Solidarity Platform and the Registration Platform for persons in need of temporary protection ensure information exchange and support across the EU. According to Ukrainian diplomats, including Ukraine’s EU Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov, the extension of temporary protection will be another signal of support from the European Union in the fight against Russian aggression and will give Ukrainians the opportunity to preserve their rights and security. It is worth noting that the EU previously extended this protection until March 2026, and as of the end of March 2025, over 4.26 million Ukrainians were residing within the EU due to the full-scale invasion by Russia. Moreover, the European Union is considering other possibilities to preserve and support Ukrainians, including various statuses and programs aimed at improving their legal standing and ensuring long-term stability and protection during and after the war. Overall, the decision to prolong temporary protection is a vital element of the EU's strategy to support Ukraine’s recovery and return to peace, reflecting the solidarity that the EU expresses towards the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and territorial integrity.