EU begins planning for return of Ukrainians after war – Politico
Photo: EU begins to work on plan for return of Ukrainians after war (Getty Images)
The European Union has begun developing a plan for the return of Ukrainians home after the end of the war. Currently, about 4.3 million Ukrainian citizens are residing in EU countries, most of whom found refuge in Poland, Germany, and Czechia, Politico reports.
According to the sources in Brussels, the European Commission is set to present a new initiative today aimed at a "cautious and controlled" return.
The plan includes the creation of "unity hubs" across EU countries - designed to assist Ukrainians with counseling, language courses, and employment-related support - both in Europe and in Ukraine. The first such hubs will open in Germany and Spain.
Officials in Brussels emphasize that a chaotic mass return could place pressure both on Ukraine itself and on European economies that have integrated a significant number of people.
"More than anything, Ukraine needs its people," said EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner. Together with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, he will present a roadmap for the plan.
The temporary protection status for Ukrainians is also expected to be extended by another 12 months - until March 2027. A special approach will be offered for vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, the sick, and parents with school-age children.
What else the EU is preparing
The EU is also set to unveil new agreements with partner countries on strategic resources in Brussels.
In particular, documents are expected to be signed with the United Kingdom (regarding tungsten) and Ukraine (regarding graphite). These are part of a broader critical raw materials initiative aimed at supporting the EU's industrial independence, particularly in battery production.
In the afternoon, briefings will be held with UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Ukraine's Natural Resources Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk.
EU's return plan
The European Commission does not yet see signs of lasting peace in Ukraine. However, under the baseline scenario, the gradual return of refugees is expected to begin this year.
According to the European Commission, as of January 2025, the number of temporary protection beneficiaries in the EU was around 4.3 million people.
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the outflow of migrants from Ukraine continued throughout 2024, totaling about 0.5 million people over the year.
