The Council of the European Union has unanimously decided to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year, until March 4, 2027. The official approval of this decision is scheduled for the next meeting.
This is reported by Finway
Plans for the Future of Ukrainian Refugees in the EU
“We will continue to provide protection to millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year. The Polish presidency has also initiated discussions on a strategy for the gradual lifting of temporary protection after a just peace is achieved. We will soon work on joint solutions for the entire EU in this area, particularly in the context of returning to Ukraine,” commented Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Semoniak.
After the directive expires, Ukrainians benefiting from temporary protection will have to choose: return to Ukraine or change their residency status in the EU, for example, by obtaining a work or study permit. This was stated by the Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov.
Scale of Displacement and Prospects for Return
According to the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, as a result of the full-scale invasion by Russia, over 6.9 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave the country. The Ukrainian state must create conditions that will facilitate their return home.
Currently, approximately 5 million citizens of Ukraine are under protection in EU countries. Most of them reside in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In particular, Germany has become the largest refuge for Ukrainian refugees, providing shelter to over 1.2 million individuals.