The European Commission proposed extending the EU's Temporary Protection Directive for people displaced by Russia's war against Ukraine by one additional year, until 4 March 2028.
The proposal aims to maintain legal certainty and protection for Ukrainians in the EU, as the security situation in Ukraine remains unstable due to Russia's ongoing war.
Also, the proposal will align protection measures with Ukraine's defence needs by generally excluding newly arriving individuals who are not authorised by Ukrainian authorities to leave the country because of military obligations.
The Commission also stressed the need for EU Member States to prepare for a coordinated transition away from temporary protection, in line with the 2025 Council Recommendation, by providing pathways to longer-term residence status in host countries and by supporting voluntary return and reintegration in Ukraine when conditions permit.
To facilitate returns, the Commission plans to launch a Voluntary Return and Recovery Programme Pilot, offering practical assistance in areas such as employment, housing, and education in Ukraine.
The proposal now awaits consideration and adoption by the Council of the European Union.
- European Commission (26 June, 2026), [Commission proposes to extend temporary protection of people fleeing Ukraine for an additional year],