Brussels (Brussels Morning) – The European Commission proposes extending temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for another year, citing unsafe conditions. This ensures stability for 4.2 million Ukrainians in the EU.
The European Commission has proposed to prolong the temporary protection for people escaping Russia’s aggression against Ukraine for another year, from 5 March 2025 to 4 March 2026.
What Is the EU’s Plan for Ukrainian Refugees?
EU Commission states that given continued Russian aggression on the civil and vital infrastructure across Ukraine, safe and stable conditions for the return of people to Ukraine are not currently in place. The Commission therefore assumes that the reasons for temporary protection continue and that it should be extended for another year as a necessary and proper response to the current situation.
According to the Commission, the ultimate objective is to ensure that all those fleeing Russia’s war of aggression can find shelter in the EU and that those nearly 4.2 million people who are already aiding from temporary protection in the EU Member States are equipped with as much stability as possible under the current circumstances.
The Temporary Protection Directive gives immediate protection and access to rights in the EU, including residency rights, entry to the labour market, accommodation, social welfare services, and medical and other assistance. It also allows Member States to manage arrivals in an orderly and effective way. In the next steps, the Commission will submit the proposal to the Ministers at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 13 June. It is then for the Council to formally embrace the proposal.
What Measures Are in Place for Ukrainian Refugees in the EU?
The EU triggered the Temporary Protection Directive on 4 March 2022 with a unanimous conclusion by Member States and it was automatically unfolded by one year and further extended for an additional year by the EU Council until 4 March 2025. Currently, nearly 4.2 million people displaced from Ukraine relish temporary protection in the EU, among which one-third are children.
The legal ground for the proposal is Article 4(2) of the Temporary Protection Directive, which equips that, where explanations for temporary protection persist, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, can expand temporary protection by up to one year.
The EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network with a focus on Ukraine and the Solidarity Platform Ukraine will persist in its operations to provide a common situational awareness of the migratory importance of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, preparedness and a blended response to the crisis.
The EU Commission pledges that it will continue to closely observe the impact of future new arrivals on the reception capability of Member States. Going forward it is important to persist in working towards ensuring a greater balance of efforts among Member States. Â
