Ukrainians’ right to stay extends until March 2027

European Union countries approved a one-year extension of the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s war, allowing them to stay in the bloc until March 2027.

Ukrainian FaliPhoto: pixabay.com

Currently, approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees across the EU, with Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic hosting the largest communities.

„While Russia continues to terrorize Ukrainian civilians with indiscriminate air strikes, the EU shows its solidarity,” said Tomasz Siemoniak, the interior minister of Poland, which holds the European Union’s rotating presidency. „We will continue to offer protection for millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year.”

The 27-nation bloc granted temporary protection to Ukrainians shortly after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. After several extensions, this measure was initially set to expire next March but will now be extended until March 4, 2027.

The extension, proposed by the European Commission last week, received unanimous support from the European Council, which represents member states. This support was confirmed during a meeting of interior ministers in Luxembourg on Friday.

Ministers also began discussing plans for eventually ending the temporary protection system, anticipating that some Ukrainians may return to their country while others may seek to remain in the EU. „The Polish presidency has initiated discussions on a strategy to phase out temporary protection once a just peace is achieved,” noted Siemoniak.

„Soon, we will work toward common, EU-wide solutions in this area, especially concerning returns to Ukraine.”

Those benefiting from temporary protection enjoy the same rights across the EU, including a residence permit, access to the labor market, housing, medical assistance, social welfare, and educational opportunities.

Poland, a staunch supporter of Kyiv throughout the war and host to one million Ukrainian refugees, recently elected a president who intends to reduce their benefits. Meanwhile, Germany, which hosts nearly 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, is also considering curbing benefits as public sentiment has shifted against immigration.

(aj)

SOURCE: AFP; IAR  

Radio Poland