Ukraine and EU develop plan to end temporary protection for Ukrainians

Ukraine and the EU are preparing a plan to end the temporary protection for Ukrainians that has been in place since the beginning of the war. UNIAN writes about this.

Deputy Social Policy Minister Ilona Havronska has revealed the key principles on which this plan will be based, stressing that the process should be fair, predictable and take into account everyone's opinion.

Unity, dignity and partnership - these three concepts should be the basis for the transition from temporary protection to a different status for our people abroad," Gavronska explained.

She noted that it is important that Ukrainians feel not only protected, but also integrated into the European community and emphasised that regardless of the choice to stay in the EU or return home, every Ukrainian should feel part of the European future.

According to Havronska, Ukraine and the EU are actively working to ensure support for Ukrainians, whether it is integration for those who choose to stay or reintegration assistance for those who return to Ukraine.

What changes await Ukrainians in the EU?

In September, the European Council presented recommendations for the coordinated completion of temporary protection. It is important to realise that Ukrainians will have a choice: to stay in the EU with a new legal status or to return home. European countries will help with the integration of those who decide to stay, as well as provide support for those who decide to return to Ukraine.

It is time to look forward, " Havronska said, stressing that the key will be the transition from temporary protection to permanent legal statuses, such as residence permits based on work, studies, family and other factors.

We shall remind you that on 15 July, the EU Council approved a formal decision to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians in the territory of the European Union until 4 March 2027. When the temporary protection in the EU for Ukrainians ends, they will be helped to return to Ukraine without hindrance or change their residence status in the European Union.