EU extends temporary protection for Ukrainians: details

Today, the EU will make an important decision for Ukrainian refugees regarding the extension of temporary protection. If the decision is positive, it will mean another year of protection and opportunities for more than 4 million Ukrainians in Europe. However, the European Union also plans to adopt other important recommendations for Ukrainians, including decisions on their integration and facilitating the return of refugees home. Find out what exactly is being discussed in the EU and what Ukrainians should prepare for

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Today, 13 June 2025, an important meeting is taking place in Luxembourg, where foreign ministers of European Union member states are discussing the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians residing in the EU.

What do you need to know about the EU's possible decision?

On 4 June, the European Commission proposed extending the Directive until spring 2027. Ministers supported this decision. However, the final decision will be made next week.

As of April this year, approximately 4.26 million Ukrainians have benefited from temporary protection in the EU.

In order for the Commission's proposal to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027 and the proposal for recommendations to enter into force, it must still be formally adopted by the European Council.

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Ukrainians will be offered to switch to other EU legal statuses

The maximum duration of the TPD is three years, but the European Commission has already extended this period by an additional year and has decided to do so again to ‘allow Member States to prepare for a coordinated exit from temporary protection’ in line with the recommendations the European Commission has made to the European Council.

The European Commission advises that refugees who have already integrated into the host country's society – have learned the language, found work or are pursuing education – be given the opportunity to transition to the corresponding national statuses of EU member states. These may include residence permits based on employment, education, research activities or the granting of long-term resident status.

However, it should be noted that such options are currently not available in all countries, for example, in Poland, it is not possible to apply for a card on the basis of residence, education or long-term resident status if a person is only on the basis of temporary protection. Therefore, if you want to change your status now, consult with specialized lawyers about the possibilities and grounds.

👉 Visit Ukraine's migration law specialists will help you navigate the complex legislation of EU countries, choose the best options for legalization or return, and correctly prepare the necessary documents.

How does the EU plan to encourage Ukrainians to return home?

The European Commission's recommendations also take into account the needs of Ukrainians who want to return home. To ensure the gradual return and reintegration of refugees, ‘taking into account the needs and capabilities of Ukraine,’ the European Commission proposes organising familiarisation visits to enable Ukrainians who are hesitant about returning to ‘make an informed decision.’

‘Member States should also set up special voluntary return programmes in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure a gradual return home after the end of temporary protection,’ the recommendations say.

EU-Ukraine cooperation on refugees

The European Commission proposes that member states, in cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities, set up Unity Hubs, which are multi-purpose information centres that facilitate both the integration of refugees in EU countries and their return home to Ukraine. The European Commission promises to finance them from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). To help member states smoothly end temporary protection, the European Commission has also decided to appoint a special representative for Ukrainians in the EU.

At the same time, the EU stresses that if circumstances in Ukraine change and this ‘allows for a gradual return and gradual reintegration,’ a proposal to suspend temporary protection before its previously scheduled end date may be submitted to the European Council.

 If you are unsure of your status or would like to learn more about your options, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. They will help you assess your situation, guide you through the changes and suggest the best legal solutions for you and your family.

We remind you! French court has issued an unprecedented ruling in favour of Ukrainian refugees, namely children who were forced to leave Ukraine because of the war. The ruling concerns payments to help with education.

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