EU prepares changes to prevent illegal migration that will affect Ukrainian refugees
The European Union continues to improve its migration policy against the backdrop of current challenges, including irregular migration and significant refugee flows resulting from military conflicts and crises in various parts of the world. Since the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the EU has stepped up its efforts to provide legal protection to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The introduction of the Temporary Protection Directive has given millions of Ukrainians the opportunity to stay legally in the EU, receive medical services, and enjoy the right to education and work. However, the current situation requires new solutions, as Europe is facing problems of irregular migration that may affect Ukrainian refugees.
General changes in EU migration policy
The European Commission, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, has recently presented a large-scale plan to combat illegal migration. This was reported by RMF FM.
This plan consists of ten points and provides for significant changes in the organisation of migration processes and control over illegal migrant flows. One of the key points is the proposal to create centres for migrants who are not eligible for asylum outside the European Union. This initiative is a response to long-standing demands from countries such as Poland and is already being implemented: Italy is working on establishing such centres in Albania.
In particular, the establishment of such centres will reduce the pressure on EU countries that face a large influx of illegal migrants every year. It will also create an additional mechanism for controlling migration flows, allowing EU authorities to focus on those who have a valid asylum claim.
Effective measures to return migrants
In addition to the creation of migration centres outside the EU, one of the main points of the plan is the introduction of new rules for the return of migrants to their countries of origin. These innovations are aimed at facilitating the deportation of those who are not eligible for international protection. Ursula von der Leyen noted that it is necessary to increase the effectiveness of these measures to avoid situations where illegal migrants remain in the EU due to loopholes in legislation or administrative difficulties with their deportation. The new rules should make the process faster and more organised, which will help reduce the number of illegal migrants remaining in the EU.
Countering hybrid attacks
The European Commission is also paying attention to issues related to hybrid attacks by countries such as Russia and Belarus, which was one of the key topics of discussion during the presentation of the new plan. In particular, von der Leyen pointed out that Russia and Belarus use migration flows as an element of political pressure on Europe. As an example of hybrid attacks, she cites the organisation of flights to Minsk from different countries, which then send migrants to the EU’s borders. In response, the EU plans to negotiate with airlines to stop such flights and to tighten visa policies to prevent such schemes from being used to infiltrate illegal migrants.
Changes for Ukrainian refugees
The new migration rules will also affect Ukrainian refugees who are currently protected by the EU Temporary Protection Directive. An important point of discussion at the upcoming summit in Brussels will be the issue of long-term stay of Ukrainians in the EU. European countries that have granted asylum to Ukrainians are facing challenges in integrating refugees into their social systems. Therefore, the new rules are intended to streamline the long-term stay of Ukrainians and regulate their status after the war.
In particular, new regulations may be introduced to define the conditions for returning Ukrainians to their homeland after the end of hostilities or granting them permanent residence in the EU. However, these changes are still under discussion, and final decisions will be made after the summit.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians: new decisions
The EU has already decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2026. This allows Ukrainians to continue to enjoy all social privileges, including access to healthcare, education and the labour market. According to Eurostat, as of May 2024, around 4.3 million Ukrainians had been granted this status. This is an important step in ensuring stability for Ukrainians affected by the war.
Thus, the European Union continues to adapt its migration policy to new realities, introducing changes aimed at combating illegal migration and creating conditions for effective regulation of migration flows. In this context, the rules concerning Ukrainian refugees are also being revised to ensure their integration and protection in the EU.
