EU Commission Proposes to Extend Ukrainian Refugee Protected Status Until 2027
EU Commission plans to provide protection for Ukrainian refugees by 2027.
The European Commission has proposed extending the protected status for Ukrainian refugees staying in the EU until March 2027, given the ongoing conflict in their home country. The extension could be approved by member states as soon as next week, according to a statement from the commission in Brussels.
Free Flow and Social Benefits
The current status of Ukrainian refugees is regulated by the EU's temporary protection directive. They are not required to go through the traditional asylum process, and they have relatively good access to the labor market and social benefits. Last June, the EU extended their protected status until March 4, 2026.
Millions of Refugees
Since the start of the Russian invasion, over 4.3 million people have fled Ukraine to the EU, with Germany and Poland taking in the majority. More than 1.2 million refugees are now in Germany, while Poland has around one million and the Czech Republic has over 400,000.
Better Balance Among Member States
The Commission aims to avoid multiple registrations for temporary protection in several countries and ensure that the rights associated with this protection are exercised in only one member state. Accordingly, it is important to achieve a better balance between member states to distribute the refugee population more evenly.
Prepare for Return and Offer Alternative Residency Options
Meanwhile, the Commission recommends that member states consider offering alternative residency options to Ukrainian refugees, such as work or student visas. Refugees should also be provided with more information about return possibilities and Easy access to visit their homeland. States should also review and adjust residency options for these refugees. The Commission emphasizes that its recommendations are not binding on member states.
Planned Voluntary Return Programs and Unity Centers
The EU aims to facilitate voluntary returns through coordination with Ukraine, including exploratory trips to help refugees assess conditions before making a decision. Unity Centers or Unity Hubs will also be established in EU member states to support integrations and facilitate returns by providing information and fostering connections among Ukrainians abroad.
Commission President Urges Safe Return
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "Since 2022, we have been providing protection to those fleeing the Russian attack on Ukraine, and we will continue to do so. And together with Ukraine, we are paving the way for people to return home and rebuild their houses as soon as it is safe."
Reduced Social Benefits in the Future
According to the coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD, Ukrainian women and men will receive fewer social benefits in the future. Currently, they automatically qualify for citizen's income, but they will have to apply for benefits for asylum seekers in the future.
Sources: ntv.de, (als/dpa/AFP)
Keywords:
- EU Commission
- Ukraine
- Attack on Ukraine
- Refugees
- Visas
- Voluntary Return Programs
- Unity Centers
- Coordination Platforms
- In light of the EU Commission's proposal to extend protected status for Ukrainian refugees until 2027, it is crucial to discuss the employment policies within the community, particularly the ease of access to the labor market and social benefits, as these are key factors in the successful integration and support of refugees.
- As the Commission recommends member states to prepare for the return of Ukrainian refugees by offering alternative residency options such as work or student visas, it is essential to revisit and update the community policy and employment policy to ensure a smoother transition for those returning and to encourage economic growth in Ukraine post-conflict.
