
Following the Russian invasion in 2022, EU member states activated the temporary protection directive, allowing Ukrainian refugees to bypass the standard asylum process. This provided them with immediate residency rights and access to housing, social support, healthcare, employment, and education. Currently, approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians are benefiting from temporary protection in the EU, including over 93,000 in Belgium.
This special protection has been renewed several times, and the European Commission is now proposing another extension until March 4, 2027, along with an additional allocation of 4 billion euros for member states, on top of the previously allocated 15 billion euros.
Additionally, the Commission is planning for a “coordinated ending of temporary protection” to create a more stable and sustainable future. It aims to encourage member states to facilitate transitions to other legal statuses for Ukrainians wishing to stay, such as residence permits or long-term residency.
Simultaneously, the Commission seeks to establish pathways for gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine. It proposes enabling exploratory visits for refugees considering return and developing voluntary return programs in cooperation with Ukrainian authorities. To ensure that refugees are well-informed about their options, the plan includes creating information centers in EU member states and appointing a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU to support member states in these efforts.













Leave a Reply