Guarantees for refugees from Ukraine: all changes, conditions and new deadlines from Brussels
13 June 22:51
The European Union has officially supported the proposal to extend the temporary protection program for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027. This was announced by the EU Council in a press release on June 13, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The Temporary Protection Program came into force in March 2022 and was a response to the massive influx of migrants after Russia’s full-scale invasion. It provided more than 4 million Ukrainians (about 4.3-4.25 million) with access to:
- accommodation
- employment; and
- health care
- social benefits;
- school education for children.
The protection program for relocated Ukrainians has been extended three times. The last time was until 2026. Now, member states have agreed on a fourth extension – until March 2027.
According to EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner, the situation in Ukraine remains unstable. The decision to extend the program guarantees legal certainty for refugees and reduces the burden on national asylum systems.
“The situation in Ukraine is certainly unstable, so we need to be flexible,” Brunner explained.
In his turn, Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak noted that while Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians with indiscriminate air strikes, the EU continues to show its solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
We will continue to provide protection to millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year,” he said.
In addition, the EU Council decided to start the process of preparing a coordinated withdrawal from the temporary protection regime.
The Polish Presidency has also initiated a discussion on a strategy for the gradual withdrawal of temporary protection after a just peace is reached. In the near future, we will work on common solutions for the entire EU in this area,” said Tomasz Siemoniak.
It should be noted that the EU recommendations on this issue currently include the following
- transitions to other forms of legal status (work permits, student visas)
- return incentive programs;
- the creation of Unity Hubs (information centers in cities such as Berlin, Prague, and Alicante), where refugees can receive comprehensive information on integration or voluntary return home.
What the Ukrainian side says
The Ukrainian authorities, in turn, support the extension of protection, but emphasize the need for a gradual return to safe areas. In particular, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov said the following:
“We really need Ukrainians back when the war is over. Ukraine will need 4 million people to double its GDP.
What kind of assistance will be provided to Ukrainians?
The EU has pledged €4 billion in additional funding, which will join the €15 billion already provided from 2022. These funds will be used to support refugees, including housing, social programs, and medical care.
Read also: Fewer benefits – more checks: what Europe is preparing for refugees from Ukraine
Different approaches in Europe
EU countries are gradually adapting their approach to Ukrainian refugees. For example, the Czech Republic allows for long-term residency with a minimum income.
After one year of temporary protection in Poland, one can obtain a three-year residence permit (but without such “benefits” as free education and medical services).
Norway has already begun to move towards common rules for refugees from safe regions.
Challenges for the European Union
The EU is gradually becoming “tired” of the flow of migrants from Ukraine. In 2022, the support for Ukrainian refugees was 88%. And as of early 2025, this figure is only 71%, according to Eurobarometer.
Key risks for both sides: refugees from Ukraine and host countries
1. Excessive burden on reception systems – social, medical, and housing.
2. Insufficient coordination of returns. Thus, there is a risk that refugees may remain in legal limbo.
3. Potential loss of public support.This is where EU governments need to focus and create a balanced coexistence of protection and integration for Ukrainians.
Therefore, the EU continues to support Ukrainians with the right to temporary protection until March 4, 2027, and a new return instrument. This is a model that combines Western solidarity with progress towards more sustainable integration or return home. The key now is to make the mechanisms truly effective and to keep the voluntariness and safety of returns at the forefront.
Context
Temporary protection is an EU emergency mechanism that is activated in exceptional circumstances when there is a massive influx of refugees. The EU Temporary Protection Directive was adopted in 2001 following the large-scale displacement of people caused by the armed conflict in the Western Balkans, particularly from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. It was first used in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
If the circumstances in Ukraine change to allow for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration, the Commission may propose to the Council to suspend temporary protection earlier than the foreseen expiry date.
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