EU Proposes Extending Stay Rights for 4 Million Ukrainians Until 2027

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to extend the temporary protection status for more than 4 million Ukrainians currently residing in the European Union. This status, which was originally granted in response to the conflict in Ukraine, provides beneficiaries with the right to reside, work, and access social services in EU member states. The proposed extension would allow these rights to continue until March 2027. In addition to the extension, the Commission has recommended the implementation of voluntary return schemes to support Ukrainians who wish to return to their home country. The proposal will now be considered by the governments of EU member states, who will decide whether to adopt the extension and the recommended measures. Temporary protection for Ukrainians was first introduced in March 2022, following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, as part of the EU's response to the humanitarian crisis.