European Commission proposes to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2028

Brussels – Extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2028, but, as a rule, exclude those whom the authorities in Kyiv have not authorised to leave the country in order to fulfil their military obligations. This is the proposal presented today (26 June) by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, during a press conference. Temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians has been in force since 4 March 2022, and has since been extended on a year-by-year basis. With the new proposal, the European Commission aims to extend it for a further year, from 5 March 2027 to 4 March 2028. “This is what the Ukrainians want us to do,” Brunner said, stressing that the measure reflects the Union’s “unwavering” support for the Ukrainian people.

The proposal has two objectives. On the one hand, it aims to “ensure continuity, legal certainty, and predictability” for the nearly 4.4 million Ukrainian citizens who currently benefit from temporary protection in the EU, in a context where the need for protection for those fleeing war “remains evident.” On the other hand, to reconcile protection needs with Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

For this reason, Brussels proposes not to grant temporary protection as a rule to persons leaving Ukraine after the decision comes into force unless they can prove that they have been authorised by the Ukrainian authorities to leave the country in accordance with their military obligations. The measure, therefore, applies to new arrivals and aims to prevent the European protection scheme from affecting Ukraine’s ability to mobilise.

At the same time, the Commission calls on Member States to step up preparations for a phased exit from the temporary protection regime, in line with the Council’s 2025 recommendation. The transition must provide both pathways to long-term resident status for those who decide to remain in the EU, and opportunities for voluntary return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine once conditions allow.

To support this process, Brussels will, together with the Member States and the Ukrainian authorities, develop a pilot programme dedicated to voluntary repatriation and resettlement, which will offer practical support to those who choose to return, with a particular focus on employment, housing, and education. The Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU, Ylva Johansson, will also continue to coordinate dialogue with Member States and Kyiv on the transition phase.

“The Temporary Protection Directive has enabled the European Union to respond swiftly to the emergency, ensuring a common approach and providing displaced persons with immediate access to accommodation, healthcare, education, and the labour market,” the Commission notes. Should the situation on the ground evolve, to allow a gradual and sustainable return, the European Commission may still propose to the Council that the protection scheme be suspended before its expiry in March 2028.

“Today’s proposal answers to the acute need of millions of Ukrainians who flee Russia’s illegal aggression. It also responds to the current defence needs of Ukraine,” said Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. “When the time comes to fully transition beyond temporary protection, we will ensure fair pathways—through integration for those who stay and support for those who want to return to Ukraine.”

Brunner echoed this sentiment: “Europe stands firm with Ukraine. Today, we are proposing to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians staying in the EU for another year. This reflects our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. At the same time, we must prepare for the future by supporting Ukraine’s defence and recovery while ensuring a responsible transition when the conditions are right.”