EU releases plan to end temporary protection for Ukrainians

The Council of the European Union has presented new recommendations that set out general approaches to the gradual winding down of the temporary protection regime for Ukrainians. The document does not mean immediate changes, but lays the groundwork for the future – return to Ukraine or legalization of stay in the EU on other grounds.

The main idea is to prepare for the moment when conditions in Ukraine will allow for the safe return of displaced persons. At the same time, those who do not plan to return will be offered the opportunity to transfer to national legal statuses in EU member states.

The scenarios for Ukrainians in Europe look like this:

Ukrainians will be offered the opportunity to change their status from temporary protection to other types of stay – a residence permit for employment, study, family reunification, entrepreneurial activity, etc. European states will have to provide clear information about these options so that people can make an informed choice.

Those who do not qualify for national status will be allowed to apply under other EU migration directives. However, they can no longer be combined with temporary protection – the status will have to be changed permanently.

Ukrainians will be allowed to return home for short periods to assess the situation on the ground, check their property or meet with family. For this, EU countries will create special rules and information centers that will explain how to do this without losing their legal status.

After the temporary protection expires (i.e. after March 4, 2027), EU countries, with the support of the Union and the Frontex agency, will launch assistance programs for those who decide to return to Ukraine. People will be provided with support with housing, medical care and reintegration. It is assumed that Ukrainians will be able to stay in the EU legally for another year after the status expires, while preparations for return continue.

A separate approach is provided for vulnerable persons: people with special needs, parents of schoolchildren or students. They will be able to stay in the EU longer – at least until the end of the school year or until Ukraine is ready to accept them.

In EU countries, it is planned to create specialized “Unity Hubs” – places where Ukrainians will be provided with comprehensive information about changes in legislation, possibilities of legalization or return to Ukraine.

The EU stresses that the process will not be forced. The return of Ukrainians to their home country must be voluntary, gradual and humane. To this end, member states will work closely with Ukraine, coordinating the provision of housing, social services and reintegration programs.

The temporary protection regime in the EU for citizens of Ukraine is valid until March 4, 2027. The new EU recommendations create the basis for a clear and predictable transformation of this status.

As a reminder, on September 9, the Polish government considered an updated draft law on Ukrainians residing in the country . It was prepared after Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed the previous version of the document.

As reported, the Polish Sejm adopted a new law, which, in particular, addresses the status of Ukrainian refugees and payments for them.

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