EU Commission: ‘Extend temporary protection to Ukrainians until March 4, 2026’

Brussels – “Currently, there are no safe and lasting conditions for the return of people to Ukraine.” That is why the European Commission has proposed extending the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s aggression for another year, from March 5, 2025, to March 4, 2026. 

The EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive on March 4, 2022, by unanimous decision of the Member States. It was automatically extended by one year, with the latest renewal dating back to September 2023. Now, a new, further reflection is needed.

 “Temporary protection has already given hope to nearly 4.2 million people in the EU, and we will continue to provide the Ukrainian people with temporary protection for as long as necessary,” said the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, who added that she was “confident” that “the Council will quickly decide to extend temporary protection for an additional year.”

The Commission will submit the proposal to member states at the June 13 Home Affairs Council meeting. It will then be up to the relevant ministers to evaluate the EU executive’s proposal and make the appropriate decision.

Brussels is concerned about the continuation of the war and Russia’s offensive. The constant attacks by Moscow’s military on civilian and critical infrastructure throughout Ukraine pose serious risks to the safety of civilians. That is why continued international protection is needed.