A representative of the European Commission presented the Commission’s approach to the exit strategy from a legal perspective, as outlined in the Council Recommendation. Her presentation focused on four key pillars: facilitating transition to other legal statuses, supporting reintegration in Ukraine, ensuring adequate information provision to beneficiaries, and the need for a coordinated EU-wide approach. The seminar also featured expert inputs from representatives of organisations including Promote Ukraine, ICMPD, UNHCR, and Fragomen, who shared their recommendations on how to support an effective and sustainable transition. 

Braced with the recently published ECRE working paper series (2026), the participants engaged in an interactive group discussion, identifying various key challenges. The exchange highlighted pressing concerns, such as the lack of clear pathways to alternative legal statuses, including strict conditions for statuses linked to work permits, and uncertainty regarding beneficiaries' eligibility to obtain international protection status. Challenges related to return and reintegration were also discussed at length, reflecting the complexity of supporting beneficiaries both within the EU and in Ukraine.

Closing remarks were delivered by a representative of the Council of the European Union, who highlighted the possibility of an exit strategy that goes beyond a binary solution of stay or return and the opportunity to thrive for a simplification of residence procedures. She ended her intervention by confirming that the topic is scheduled as an agenda item for the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council in March 2026. 

Should you be interested, please consult our other publications relating to temporary protection.