European Union proposes extending EU temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year

MOSCOW. June 11 (Interfax) - The European Commission has proposed that the European Council extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians for another year, until March 24, 2026.

European Commission spokesman Christian Wigand made the announcement at a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday.

Ukrainian media quoted Wigand as saying that the Commission proposed to extend the temporary protection for people fleeing the crisis in Ukraine for another year, from 5 March 2025 to 4 March 2026.

"Safe and durable conditions for the return of people to Ukraine are not currently in place. The Commission therefore considers that the reasons for temporary protection persist, and that it should be prolonged for another year. [...] The ultimate goal is to ensure that [...] almost 4.2 million people [...] are provided with as much stability as possible under the current circumstances," he said.

In his words, the European Commission will present the proposal to the ministers at the Justice and Home Affairs Council later this week.