EU Commission wants to extend special status for Ukrainians

When millions of Ukrainians fled to Vladimir Putin’s bombs more than three years ago, solidarity among Europeans was great. But in parts of the population, acceptance now gives way to a certain skepticism. How does Europe want to deal with Ukrainian displaced people in the future? Now the EU Commission presented its plans. The goal: continue to grant protection and at the same time create a perspective for the time afterwards.

After Invasion of Russia in February 2022 The authority enabled the Member States as part of a temporary protection program to grant Ukrainians unbureaucratically the right to live, work and to take advantage of social benefits. Since then, the status of the refugees from the war -torn country has not been determined by the regular asylum system.

EU migration commissioner Brunner speaks of « exit strategy »

The EU Commission proposes to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees that will expire in the coming year by another twelve months to March 4, 2027. On the one hand. On the other hand, the changed look of many Europeans can also be read from the Brussels authority’s paper. In addition to the extension, she recommends that the Member States prepare for a « coordinated expiry » of temporary protection status. EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner spoke of an « exit strategy ».

States should decide in the long term of their own regulations

At the request of the authority, the EU countries should promote the transition to national regulations. Many people had now integrated well, found work or learned the language, it said. It should be easier for them to achieve alternative residence rights, for example through work or research visa. The plan, which still has to be decided by the 27 governments, also stipulates that those willing to return are supported in the preparation.

For this purpose, programs are to be developed in coordination with the Ukrainian authorities. “More than anything needs it Ukraine Her people, ”said Brunner. You have to help them“ to make well -founded decisions about their future – whether they want to return home or want to continue to support Ukraine from here. ”

So far, Brussels has unlocked around 15 billion euros for the support of those displaced by Ukraine. Now the Commission wants to provide another four billion euros. Almost 4.3 million refugees from Ukraine found refuge in the EU. 1.17 million people are registered in Germany. Around one million Ukrainians found refuge in Poland, almost 40,000 in the Czech Republic.