The European 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 EU countries, 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.

Today, the Commission is also setting out a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. To offer a more stable and lasting perspective, the Commission is proposing to EU Member States to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection.

Our 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 upvoluntary 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.

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