European Commission proposes to extend protection for Ukrainian refuges for 1 year, prepare transition out of this status

BRUSSELS. June 4 (Interfax) - The European Commission proposed on Wednesday to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine for another year, until March 4, 2027 and adopt a recommendation to prepare a "coordinated transition" out of this status.

"Today, the commission is setting out a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. This will ensure stability and continued protection, while also paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection once the necessary conditions are met," the European Commission said in a statement.

"And together with Ukraine we pave the way for people to be able to return and rebuild their homes once it is safe," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the statement.

The European Union has provided protection to Ukrainian refugees since 2022, she said.

The European Commission's proposal "will provide legal certainty to those enjoying temporary protection and to member states, ensuring that the same standards of protection continue to apply across the EU," the statement said.

In order to ensure "a more stable and lasting perspective, the commission is also proposing to member states to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection by way of a council recommendation," it said.

"The proposed measures address the needs of those residing in the EU as well as the need for Ukraine to rebuild the country, including by supporting safe, voluntary and dignified returns and reintegration," it said.

The European Commission's statement has outlined measures envisaged by a draft recommendation of the Council of the European Union. Firstly, it was proposed to encourage and facilitate the transition of refugees under EU protection to other legal statuses, national and European, which would "better reflect their new situation." They include residence permits on the basis of employment, education, research, or a national status of a long-term resident.

Secondly, "to pave the way for a gradual return and sustainable reintegration in Ukraine taking into account the needs and capacity of Ukraine", the proposal envisages "allowing exploratory visits to Ukraine" for those considering a possible return home in order to make informed decisions.

In addition, the EU member states must create voluntarily return programs in close cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that people gradually return home after the expiration of temporary protection, the statement said.

Now the Council of the EU must officially adopt the commission's proposal to extend temporary protection for one more year and the council's recommendation on the transition out of this status.