European Commission is proposing to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in the European Union until 4 March 2028

Today, the European Commission presented to the Council of the EU a proposal to extend the EU Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians who left the country following the full-scale invasion by Russia — until 4 March 2028.

According to the latest Eurostat data, almost 4.4 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in EU countries, the majority of them women and children. Extending temporary protection provides Ukrainians who were forced to flee abroad because of the war with clear, stable and predictable conditions of stay, legal certainty, and access to basic rights and services in EU countries.

"We are sincerely grateful to the European Union and its Member States for their continued solidarity and support for citizens of Ukraine forced to leave the country because of Russia's full-scale war. We welcome the maintaining of clear, stable and predictable conditions of stay, legal certainty, and access to basic rights and services for our citizens in the EU while the war continues. At the same time, Ukraine’s priority remains the voluntary return of its citizens when returning home becomes a safe and realistic possibility," said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

The Minister added that, together with its European partners, Ukraine is working to maintain people's connection with Ukraine, strengthen access to information and public services, and prepare practical conditions for return and reintegration.

Ukraine looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with the European Union on future support mechanisms, post-war recovery, and programmes aimed at encouraging voluntary return.

EU Temporary Protection Directive was activated in March 2022 in response to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Directive grants Ukrainian citizens the right to legal residence in European Union countries, as well as access to basic rights and services, including housing, employment, healthcare and education.

Tags: