Ukrainian refugees / Photo: Getty Images
More than 4.3 million Ukrainians who received temporary protection in the EU after Russia’s invasion may find themselves in an uncertain legal situation after the end of hostilities. According to Euractiv, the lack of a coherent strategy among EU member states creates real risks of losing their current status for millions of refugees. Euractiv reports.
Temporary protection has been officially extended until March 2026, but an end to the war could dramatically change the situation. Some countries have already started to develop alternative long-term solutions:
– Poland is preparing a three-year residence permit,
– The Czech Republic offers a five-year status with a number of conditions,
– Italy, Austria, Latvia and Estonia are developing their own integration mechanisms.
The EU Council is expected to discuss the issue at its meeting in June, but the final decision to terminate or extend the temporary protection will require the consent of all member states.
The European Commission is already preparing scenarios ranging from extending protection to assisting in returning to Ukraine or switching to national permits.
