Ukraine advocates for maintaining clear and predictable conditions of stay in the EU for citizens who are forced to leave the country because of the war

Ukraine is sincerely grateful to the European Union and its Member States for their unprecedented solidarity and support for millions of Ukrainians who are forced to leave their homes due to Russia’s full-scale aggression.

Today, more than 4.3 million citizens of Ukraine are residing in European Union countries. As long as the war continues, it is critically important to preserve mechanisms that provide people with legal certainty, access to education, healthcare, social services, and the opportunity to live in safety.

Ukraine believes that citizens who are forced to leave Ukraine lawfully because of the war and move to European Union Member States need clear, stable, and predictable conditions of stay until returning home becomes a safe and realistic possibility.

That is why Ukraine supports maintaining EU-wide legal mechanisms that guarantee our citizens legal certainty and access to basic rights and services.

Ukraine’s priority is the voluntary return of its citizens by creating safe living conditions, employment opportunities, access to housing, education, social services, and prospects for families to build their future.

Today, we are working to ensure that our citizens, regardless of their country of residence, maintain their connection with Ukraine and have access to up-to-date information, public services, and opportunities to participate in the life of Ukrainian communities. Digital engagement tools, the Unity Hub network, simplified access to consular services, the introduction of the institution of multiple citizenship, and other forms of support for Ukrainians abroad are being developed.

Our shared task with our European partners is not only to provide support for Ukrainians today, but also to create conditions under which everyone who wishes to return home will have real opportunities to do so.

Ukraine looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with the European Union on future support mechanisms for citizens of Ukraine who are forced to leave the country because of the war, joint preparations for post-war recovery, and programs aimed at encouraging the voluntary return of people.

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