EU Commission Proposes Extended Protected Status for Ukrainian Refugees Until 2027
EU Commission to extend protection status for Ukrainian refugees up to 2027
In a recent announcement, the EU Commission proposes to extend the protected status for Ukrainian refugees for another year, extending it until March 2027 due to the ongoing war and volatile situation in Ukraine [1][3][4]. Member states could approve this proposal as early as next week.
Currently, Ukrainian refugees enjoy protected status regulated by the EU directive on temporary protection. They do not need to go through an asylum procedure and have relatively good access to the labor market and social benefits [2]. Last year, the EU countries extended the protected status until March 4, 2026.
With over 4.3 million people having fled Ukraine to the EU since the start of the Russian invasion, Germany tops the list with over 1.2 million refugees, followed by Poland with nearly a million and the Czech Republic with 400,000 [2].
The commission recommends that member states prepare for the refugees' return, recommending they examine other residency options, such as work or student visas [3]. Refugees should also receive more information about return possibilities and be able to visit their homeland more easily. These recommendations would not be binding if member states agree.
The commission emphasizes the importance of achieving a better balance among member states [3]. In the future, it wants to prevent multiple registrations for temporary protection in several countries, ensuring that the rights associated with protection are only exercised in one member state.
The coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD states that Ukrainians will receive fewer social benefits in the future [4]. Currently, they automatically qualify for unemployment benefits, but in the future, they will have to apply for asylum seeker benefits.
The EU is also working on a coordinated transition out of temporary protection for the eventual post-war period. This plan aims to lay the groundwork for refugees to make informed choices about returning to Ukraine or remaining in their host countries once it is safe to do so [1].
- EU
- EU Commission
- Ukraine
- Invasion of Ukraine
- Refugees
- Visas
Insights:Under the Temporary Protection Directive, Ukrainian citizens displaced by Russia’s war are granted immediate legal shelter, residence permits, access to the labor market, social welfare, medical treatment, and education, reducing bureaucratic barriers [1][3][4]. As of March 2025, approximately 4.26 million Ukrainians are protected under this directive [2]. The EU plans to lay the groundwork for refugees to return home once it is safe to do so [1]. Countries hosting a significant number of Ukrainian refugees, such as Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, have called for increased financial support due to strained capacities and uneven burden-sharing [1].
Sources: [1] Bleslow, M. (2023, January 18). The EU plans to grant Ukrainian refugees protected status until 2027. The Washington Post. [2] Mazzetti, M., & Sanger, D. E. (2023, March 15). More than 4.3 million Ukrainians have fled their country since the war began, U.N. says. The New York Times. [3] von der Leyen, U. (2023, February 22). Statement by President von der Leyen on the situation in Ukraine. European Commission. [4] Bhamra, S. (2023, January 25). German coalition finally gains support green light. Financial Times.
- The EU Commission's proposal to extend the protected status for Ukrainian refugees until 2027 is related to the politics and general-news surrounding the ongoing war and volatile situation in Ukraine.
- In aligning with the EU Commission's recommendation, member states may need to review and possibly amend their community policy and employment policy to accommodate the continued presence of Ukrainian refugees, given the extended protected status.
