EU Commission wants hubs to help Ukrainian refugees with integration or return

The member states decided shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022 to activate the directive on temporary protection. This meant that Ukrainian refugees did not have to go through the traditional asylum procedure and were granted immediate residency rights and access to housing, social assistance, healthcare, the labor market, and education. Today, about 4.3 million Ukrainians enjoy temporary protection in the EU, with more than 93,000 people in Belgium.

This special form of protection has been extended multiple times, and the Commission is now proposing to do so again, until March 4, 2027. It is providing an additional 4 billion euros in resources for the member states, on top of the 15 billion that have already been allocated.

At the same time, it is looking further into the future, with a plan for a “coordinated ending of temporary protection” to provide “a more stable and sustainable perspective.” On one hand, it wants member states to promote and facilitate the transition to other legal statuses for Ukrainians who wish to remain in the EU, for example, with residence permits or a long-term residence status.

On the other hand, it wants to create a pathway for gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine. It proposes to allow exploratory visits for refugees who wish to return and to set up voluntary return programs in close coordination with the Ukrainian authorities. To properly inform those involved about all options, it also wants to establish information centers in EU member states, and it intends to appoint a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU to assist the member states.