European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Ilva Johansson has assured that the EU will not forcibly expel Ukrainian men to their homeland. She said this in an interview with Radio Liberty, reports Komersant ukrainskyi
The European Commissioner said that forced expulsion is impossible, as it would violate the EU Temporary Protection Directive. However, in general, the EU is ready for constructive discussions with the Ukrainian authorities on this issue.
“We will support those who want to return to Ukraine, and we will discuss with the Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government how to do this in the best way possible. We will not throw anyone out of the EU,”
– she said.
In the Netherlands, the issue was discussed during a parliamentary debate on migration policy. The topic arose after a question from the leader of the Freedom Party, Geert Wilders, who expressed concern that “tens of thousands” of Ukrainian men were staying in the Netherlands, while the Ukrainian government wanted them to return to defend or rebuild the country.
“It is only logical that in times of war you should help your country,”
– Wilders said.
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In response, Prime Minister Dick Schoof noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been very cautious when discussing this issue. The Prime Minister considers this position to be “reasonable”, but Wilders insisted that measures could be taken to encourage their return.
Schooff expressed his readiness to work with Ukraine to find possible solutions. At the same time, he stressed that Ukrainian refugees retain the right to asylum, medical care, employment and education in the Netherlands.
According to the Dutch media, as of last autumn, more than 19,000 Ukrainian men of military age lived in the country, while the total number of registered Ukrainian men was about 39,000.
So far, none of the EU countries has said that they will send Ukrainian men home by any means of force.
As reported, Poland failed to recruit not only a legion but also a brigade of Ukrainians.