EU proposes extending temporary protection for Ukrainians to March 2026

The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled to the EU because of Russia's military aggression for another year, from March 5, 2025, to March 4, 2026, according to the European Commission's website.

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"Given continued Russian attacks on the civil and critical infrastructure across Ukraine, safe and durable conditions for the return of people to Ukraine are not currently in place. The Commission therefore considers that the reasons for temporary protection persist and that it should be prolonged for another year as a necessary and appropriate response to the current situation," the statement said.

On June 13, the European Commission will submit the proposal to extend temporary protection to ministers at the Justice and Home Affairs Council, after which the EU Council will have to approve the proposal formally.

Currently, nearly 4.2 million Ukrainians in EU countries benefit from temporary protection status.

Temporary protection grants Ukrainians the ability to exercise certain rights in the EU, including the right to reside, access the labor market, housing, social, medical, and other assistance. It also helps member states manage the arrival of people in an organized and effective manner.

The EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive by unanimous decision of the member states on March 4, 2022, and it has been automatically extended twice for one year until March 4, 2025.

Read also: Negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU to begin by end of June – European Commission head