EU member states agree to host Ukrainians fleeing war until 2027
EU member states have agreed in principle to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine by another year until March 2027, according to a statement issued on the sidelines of a meeting of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg on Friday.
This extension would allow Ukrainian citizens to continue accessing EU labour markets, social benefits and medical care without having to apply for asylum.
Friday's political agreement marks an important step, although the decision still needs to be formally adopted by EU member states - a move that is expected in a subsequent meeting.
In parallel, EU countries are discussing a recommendation from the European Commission to prepare a coordinated return strategy for Ukrainians.
This would help Ukrainians who fled to the bloc access other forms of residence permits such as work or student visas. Information about return options should also be improved, paving the way for Ukrainians to gradually return to their country of origin.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced the appointment of a special envoy for Ukrainian refugees. Brunner had previously indicated that if the situation in Ukraine stabilizes, the protection status could also be lifted prematurely.
Since the beginning of Russia's war on Ukraine, more than 4.3 million people have fled from Ukraine to the European Union, according to the commission. Germany has taken in the largest overall share, more than 1.2 million people.