The EU is preparing changes: will temporary protection for Ukrainians remain?
26 May 2025 22:19
The European Union has begun discussing the future of temporary protection for Ukrainians, which is currently valid until March 4, 2026. Although the status has been officially extended, Brussels is already considering scenarios for phasing out the program, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the EurActiv news site.
The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), activated in March 2022, initially provided protection for three years. However, in 2024, it was extended for another year, until March 2026. This decision already goes beyond the original intent of the directive, which is causing concern among European diplomats and experts.
According to Martin Wagner, Senior Advisor on Migration Policy, the EU is “already on thin ice,” and now it is necessary to seriously discuss alternatives – both for those who want to stay and those who plan to return to Ukraine.
We are already on thin ice with the latest extension. A simple interpretation of the directive would mean that after three years it would expire,” Wagner said.
Among the possible solutions to the problem:
- a final extension of one year, followed by a gradual phase-out of the program;
- narrowing the scope of the directive for certain categories of persons;
- introduction of a new legal status for Ukrainians who remain in the EU;
- transition to national mechanisms of legalization of stay.
An extreme option was proposed by Lodewijk Ascher, former Minister of the Netherlands and Special Adviser to the Commission on Ukraine, who voiced the idea of a so-called “reconstruction permit.” It would provide a temporary residence permit for up to 10 years.
It is expected that these issues will be discussed at a meeting of the EU Council on Justice and Home Affairs on June 12-13.
It is worth noting that about 4.3 million Ukrainians currently enjoy temporary protection in the EU. The decision to change or cancel this status can significantly affect their lives and requires careful discussion, taking into account humanitarian and legal aspects.
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