EU to extend protection for Ukrainians: who will receive aid and what refugees should prepare for
5 June 22:25
The European Union is officially preparing to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave Ukraine due to Russia’s full-scale invasion until March 4, 2027. The European Commission plans to adopt this decision in June 2025, emphasizing that it “paves the way for the gradual return and sustainable reintegration” of Ukrainians after the end of hostilities, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the words of European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner.
According to the European Commission, more than 4.2 million Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in the EU. Most of them are in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. This status guarantees Ukrainians the right to reside, access to the labor market, education, healthcare and social services without the need to undergo complex asylum procedures.
However, despite the positive decision, the EU is increasingly discussing the burden on national budgets, education, and labor markets of the host countries. Against this backdrop, more and more attention is being paid to long-term plans for the return of Ukrainians home after the active phase of the war is over.
What does “gradual return” mean?
It is not about mass repatriation, but about a voluntary return to a stable environment, which requires preparation on both sides – Ukraine and the EU. Brussels has already announced the creation of an intergovernmental coordination group that will work on a “roadmap for return.” It will include representatives of the European Commission, member states, and the Ukrainian government.
The main emphasis is on:
- Assessment of security in the regions of Ukraine, including the border and de-occupied territories;
- Readiness of the Ukrainian infrastructure for the return of millions of citizens – housing, jobs, educational and medical services;
- Information support for the diaspora so that the return is conscious and prepared.
Most of all, Ukraine needs its people. We must help Ukrainians make informed decisions about their future,” said Magnus Brunner.
Read also: The EU is preparing changes: will temporary protection for Ukrainians remain?
Ukrainian IDPs in Europe: what the European Commission says
On June 4, the European Commission proposed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians seeking safety in the EU until March 4, 2027. This is stated in a statement.
The extension of the temporary protection directive is justified by the fact that Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and the situation in Ukraine remains unpredictable. According to the document, “Russia continues its illegal attacks and the situation in Ukraine remains unstable.”
The final decision on the extension is yet to be made by the EU Council. The issue is scheduled to be considered at a meeting on June 12-13 in Luxembourg. If it is approved, Ukrainians under protection will continue to enjoy all existing rights: to residence, work, social benefits, health care and education.
At the same time, the European Commission emphasized in its statement that it remains flexible: if the security situation in Ukraine improves earlier, temporary protection may be terminated ahead of schedule.
The document also outlines possible steps after the mechanism is terminated. In particular, the EU Council provides member states with recommendations for further action. These recommendations are not legally binding, but serve as a guide for EU governments. This includes support for the voluntary return of Ukrainians home, as well as options for legalizing their stay in the EU on other grounds (e.g., national visas, residence permits, or asylum).
Temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens has been in effect in the EU since March 2022. This status allows Ukrainians to legally reside and work in the EU without having to go through lengthy refugee procedures. It is expected that member states will support the extension, as the mechanism has proven effective and the EU has consistently demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov warned Ukrainians that EU refugee protection would one day end.
We will work to discuss the methodology and technology for terminating the status of temporary protection when circumstances allow it. And the circumstances are, of course, the onset of stable peace. Until then, of course, the status of temporary protection should be extended. This is our position,” Chernyshov said.
Ukrainian government prepares its own reintegration strategy
The Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, together with the Ministry of Social Policy and international donors, is already working on creating an all-Ukrainian program to support voluntary return. According to preliminary data, it will include:
- Financial support for IDPs in the first months after their return;
- Compensation for rental housing;
- Subsidies for employers who hire Ukrainians who have returned from abroad.
The government is also considering creating an online platform where Ukrainians can check the safety of the region, find information about housing, jobs, and documents.
The EU: humanitarian support with a focus on the future
The decision to extend protection until 2027 is also an attempt to stabilize the situation for European institutions. Many Ukrainians have integrated into their host societies, studying at schools, working, and setting up businesses. However, in some countries, there are already fears that the temporary status may drag on for decades, as happened after the wars in the Balkans.
Therefore, the EU’s strategy is to balance between supporting and encouraging return in the future. The key factor will be the end of the war and the level of recovery in Ukraine.
What protection and assistance can Ukrainians use in 2025?
In 2025, Ukrainians affected by the war can benefit from a number of state and international protection and support programs. These programs cover both internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine and refugees abroad.
Support programs for IDPs in Ukraine
1. Monthly cash assistance. The government continued payments to IDPs:
- uAH 2,000 for each adult;
- uAH 3,000 for children and persons with disabilities.
These payments are automatically prolonged without the need to reapply, provided they meet the criteria.
2. Housing subsidies and compensation. The state provides compensation for rent and subsidies for utilities for IDPs.
3. Social and psychological services. IDPs have access to free medical care, psychological support, legal advice and educational programs.
4. International humanitarian aid. Organizations such as UNHCR provide one-time cash assistance of UAH 3,600 per person for three months.
Protection programs for Ukrainian refugees abroad
1. European Union. The EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2027. This gives them the right to reside, work, education and social benefits in member states.
2. Germany. Ukrainians receive Bürgergeld social assistance:
- € 563 for single adults;
- € 471 for teenagers;
- €357 for children under 12.
They also receive free housing, health insurance, and access to integration courses.
3. Portugal. Temporary protection status gives the right to social benefits (RSI):
- €242.23 for the main family member;
- €169.56 for other adults;
- €121.12 for children.
Medical services, education and employment are also available.
4. Switzerland. The S program has been extended until March 4, 2026, which allows Ukrainians to live and work in the country, as well as receive social assistance.
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