The European Union extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2028: Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted, through a written procedure, a decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians forced to flee russia's war against Ukraine for an additional year, until 4 March 2028.

According to the latest Eurostat data, nearly 4.4 million Ukrainians are currently benefiting from temporary protection across EU Member States, the majority of whom are women and children. The extension of this mechanism provides those displaced by the war with clear, stable and predictable conditions of stay, legal certainty, and continued access to fundamental rights and essential services throughout the European Union.

"We are grateful to the European Union and its Member States for extending temporary protection for our citizens who have been forced to seek safety from the war. This decision is an important demonstration of the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It provides our citizens with stability, legal certainty and predictability for as long as the war continues," said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

Recognising both the need to protect displaced persons and Ukraine's legitimate right to defend itself against russia's illegal aggression, EU Member States agreed that temporary protection should be granted only to those who comply with Ukraine's military service obligations. This provision will not apply to Ukrainians who are already benefiting from temporary protection in EU countries.

The EU Temporary Protection Directive was activated in March 2022 in response to russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It grants Ukrainian nationals the right to legal residence in EU Member States, as well as access to essential rights and services, including accommodation, employment, healthcare and education.