Denys Uliutin and Magnus Brunner Discussed Coordination of Policies Regarding Ukrainians in the EU

During a working visit to the United States, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin held a meeting with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.

During the meeting, the parties focused in particular on the possible expiry of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU after March 2027. The Minister stressed that it is important for Ukraine to avoid legal uncertainty and fragmentation of approaches regarding Ukrainians who were forced to stay in European Union countries because of the war.

“Our position is clear: we want Ukrainians to return home, but this must be a voluntary and informed decision. The key factor for such a decision remains security, which depends on the situation on the ground and our Armed Forces. Therefore, people should have clear, predictable and lawful options for continued stay in the EU until conditions for their return are ensured,” Denys Uliutin said.

In this context, the Minister stressed the importance of obtaining more detailed data on Ukrainians currently under temporary protection in EU countries, particularly on vulnerable groups, to support return planning and help communities prepare for future return flows.

The parties also discussed legal migration and labour market integration, preserving Ukraine’s human capital as the foundation of future recovery, and the role of Unity Hubs as a tool for maintaining connections with Ukrainians abroad. The Minister noted that the first Unity Hub, opened in Berlin, is already demonstrating significant demand among Ukrainian citizens, with nearly 500 consultations provided during its first two weeks of operation.

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