The European Union extends the residence permits of Ukrainians until 2027
The European Commission announced its intention to extend the temporary protection status for refugees from Ukraine for an additional year until March 2027, amid the ongoing Russian war and the volatile situation within Ukraine. EU member states are expected to approve this proposal during a meeting next week.
The temporary protection system established by the EU since the beginning of the war allows Ukrainians to obtain the right to residence and access to the labor market, education, health services, and social support. So far, more than 4.3 million people have fled Ukraine to the European Union, according to commission data. Germany tops the list of host countries with 1.2 million refugees.
In addition to the extension, the European Commission aims to provide long-term prospects for refugees who have successfully integrated into host countries through work, study, or language proficiency. In the future, they will be able to change their status from temporary protection to other legal residencies such as residence for work or study or through long-term residency systems adopted in some countries.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the Union will continue to provide protection for those fleeing the Russian war against Ukraine since 2022. At the same time, the Commission recommended that member states begin preparing mechanisms for the return of refugees, including providing clearer information about return opportunities and the possibility of visiting Ukraine. She emphasized that these recommendations are not binding even if adopted.
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced the appointment of a special envoy from the European Union for Ukrainian affairs, without revealing the name of the candidate for the position. During a joint press conference, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov urged Ukrainian refugees to return to their homeland when conditions allow, stating that the Ukrainian labor market is in urgent need of them to build a strong and new economy.