The European Commission has proposed extend temporary protection for individuals fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine for another year – from March 5, 2025 to March 4, 2026.
The press service of the commission reported this on Tuesday, writes European Pravda.
Safe and long-term conditions for the return of people to Ukraine has not yet been established, given the continuation of Russian attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure throughout Ukraine, so the commission believes that the reasons for temporary protection remain and that it should be extended for another year.
The ultimate goal is to ensure to ensure that all those fleeing Russian aggression can find protection in the EU, and that the nearly 4.2 million people already enjoying temporary protection in EU member states are provided with as much stability as possible in the current circumstances.< /p>
The Temporary Protection Directive provides Ukrainians with the right to residence, access to the labor market, housing, social, medical and other assistance.
It also helps member states manage the arrival of people in an orderly and efficient manner.
The Commission will present the proposal to ministers at the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on June 13. The Council must then formally adopt the proposal.
The EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive on 4 March 2022 by unanimous decision of the Member States and it was automatically extended for one year, and then the Council extended it for a further year until March 4, 2025.
Currently, almost 4.2 million people displaced from Ukraine enjoy temporary protection in the EU, including a third – children.
Prepared by: Nina Petrovich