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Brussels – The Commission proposed extending the temporary protection scheme for Ukrainians in the EU, a spokesman said in Brussels on Tuesday. In view of the ongoing Russian attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure throughout Ukraine, the conditions for a safe, permanent return of people to Ukraine are currently not present. According to the EU Commission, the reasons for temporary protection therefore remain, which is why an extension by another year is the necessary and appropriate response to the current situation.
According to the EU statistics office Eurostat, around 4.2 million refugees from Ukraine were recently registered in the 27 EU countries – most of them, around 1.3 million, in Germany. In relation to the population, the number of Ukrainian refugees is significantly higher in countries like the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Poland. In the Czech Republic, for example, there are about 32 refugees per 1000 inhabitants.
Shortly after the start of Russia’s offensive war against Ukraine, the EU states activated the directive for the event of a “mass influx” of displaced persons. It was last extended until March 4, 2025. The implementation of the proposal is considered extremely likely, and it is also expected to be a topic at a meeting of EU interior ministers at the end of the week. Last year, there was no veto from the member states for the extension. The advantage of the regulation is that those affected do not have to go through a lengthy asylum procedure. In addition, they have immediate rights such as access to social benefits, education, accommodation, and a work permit. (June 11)