EU extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027
EU extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027 (Getty Images)
The Council of the European Union on July 15 adopted a final decision to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 4, 2027, according to Suspilne.
As noted, the decision was made on the basis of a directive that allows for the extension of temporary protection when returning to the country of origin is impossible due to war or the risk of mass human rights violations.
The Council of the EU emphasized that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is ongoing and that the security situation remains critical.
According to the European Union, as of 2025, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians are benefiting from temporary protection across EU countries.
The decision allows Ukrainians to continue legally residing, working, studying, and receiving basic social assistance in EU member states without needing to apply for asylum.
EU member states will also continue to exchange information to avoid duplication of protection status in different countries.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU
In June, the European Commission proposed extending the legal framework known as the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2027.
This directive first came into force in March 2022. At that time, it allowed displaced Ukrainians to remain in EU member states without undergoing the formal asylum procedure.
The EU Council later unanimously supported the proposal to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027.
According to Eurostat, 4.26 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status across the EU. In April alone, the number increased by 2,525 people, with the largest share of new arrivals settling in Sweden.
