The EU is discussing the end of temporary protection for Ukrainians: will the program be extended for another year?

Europe is discussing strategies for winding down temporary protection for Ukrainians after 2026. Find out what changes refugees can expect and what to consider now

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The European Union is actively discussing the future of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to leave the country due to russia's full-scale invasion. According to the European publication Euractiv, Brussels is considering a so-called “exit strategy” from the current protection program, which was introduced in March 2022 in accordance with the EU Temporary Protection Directive (TPD).

The current validity of this directive is until March 2026. However, according to sources in diplomatic circles, in June 2025, the EU member states will have to decide on its future. And it is likely that the extension for another year until 2027 will be the last.

Why might temporary protection not be extended?

The TPD Directive was activated in the face of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis to quickly provide Ukrainians with protection without the need to go through a lengthy refugee procedure. As originally conceived, the directive provided for protection for up to one year with the possibility of two extensions - up to a maximum of three years. That is, until March 2025.

However, the European Commission has already gone beyond the original framework, extending protection until March 2026. Now they are discussing another “final” year.

"We are already on thin ice with the latest extension. A straightforward interpretation of the directive would mean that after three years it would lose its validity," explained Martin Wagner, Senior Policy Advisor at the International Center for Migration Policy Development.

He also emphasized the need to develop clear alternatives for both those Ukrainians who want to stay in the EU and those who plan to return to Ukraine.

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What options does the EU offer: what happens after temporary protection?

Despite the general support among member states for another extension, legal constraints are forcing the EU to look for new approaches. Among the proposed options:

● Narrowing the scope of protection. This means excluding persons who have already returned to Ukraine from the possibility of re-using protection.

● Closing the program for newcomers. This means that persons arriving after a certain date will not be able to use the temporary protection mechanism.

Creating a new legal instrument. For example, a “reconstruction permit” - a special status that will allow Ukrainians to stay in the EU for up to 10 years based on the long-term consequences of the war and the need to rebuild the country.

Read more about the abolition of temporary protection, ways of legalization for Ukrainians in the EU, and existing risks in an interview with Anna Fedoryshyna, migration lawyer at Visit Ukraine, here.

Despite active discussions, no final decision has yet been made at the EU level. At the same time, experts warn that in the absence of a clear plan for the withdrawal of protection, national asylum systems may be overwhelmed.

What does this mean for Ukrainians in the EU?

The current situation requires Ukrainians to closely monitor changes in EU legislation and prepare for possible future options. If temporary protection is not extended after 2027, Ukrainians will either have to:

● apply for refugee status

● apply for residency on the basis of work, study or family ties

● return to Ukraine.

Tip: If you plan to stay in Europe legally after your temporary protection expires, consult with migration specialists now. Visit Ukraine lawyers advise on the rules of border crossing, paperwork in the EU, legalization of residence abroad, and other migration issues. Turning to professionals will help you avoid mistakes in the process of legalization, submission of documents or change of residence status.

We remind you! The Czech government is considering the possibility of terminating temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the event of a long-term ceasefire in Ukraine. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan announced plans to tighten the asylum procedure and introduce new approaches to the reception of war veterans. Read how this may affect Ukrainians in the Czech Republic in our previous article.

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