Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, more than 4.3 million people have been displaced and sought protection within EU Member States. The Temporary Protection Directive, which was activated in March 2022, is in place until March 2026 following two extensions. It establishes a common framework across the EU, providing displaced persons with access to accommodation, healthcare, education, and employment. The European Commission has now proposed extending this status further until March 2027.

Alongside the proposal to extend temporary protection, the Commission proposed a Council Recommendation outlining measures to support beneficiaries of temporary protection during their transition from this status towards longer-term solutions. The proposal focuses on four key areas:

• Promoting the transition into other legal statuses before the end of temporary protection: The Commission encourages Member States to facilitate access to other legal residence statuses before the end of temporary protection, allowing displaced persons to secure longer-term residency options within host countries.
   

• Paving the way for a smooth and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine: Member States are invited to allow for explanatory visits on a self-funded basis to Ukraine, to establish voluntary return programmes and coordinate with the Ukrainian authorities to facilitate reintegration in the communities in Ukraine. 
   

• Ensuring provision of information to displaced persons: The proposal calls for the establishment of information hubs and the organisation of outreach activities to inform beneficiaries about their rights, available support services, and options for integration or voluntary return.
   

• Enhancing coordination, monitoring, and exchange of information among Member States and with Ukrainian authorities: This involves regular cooperation mechanisms, appointing a Special Envoy to oversee the process, and sharing data to monitor progress and support reintegration efforts.

The proposal to extend temporary protection and the accompanying proposal for a Council Recommendation are subject to formal approval by the Council.

In a recent Policy Brief, the College of Europe argued that "while the Commission’s proposals offer initial direction, they fall short of providing legal certainty". The Policy Brief stresses that "a binding and harmonised EU-level roadmap is urgently needed to replace fragmented national approaches, ensure equal protection standards, and maintain the integrity of the EU’s collective response".

For further details, please read the press release from the European Commission and the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.