Since the beginning of the war, the European Union has provided temporary protection to millions of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes. In a situation that grows more difficult every year, Europe not only recognizes the continuing danger, but also continues the obligation to help those for whom return home is still impossible. The Council of the European Union officially adopted the final decision on the extension of the temporary protection regime for Ukrainians who left due to the war. The document emphasizes that Russia’s full-scale armed invasion continues, and the security situation in Ukraine remains unstable and extremely worrying.
A landmark decision of the Council of the EU
On July 15, 2025, the Council of the European Union approved the final decision on the extension of temporary protection for persons who arrived from Ukraine for another two years – until March 4, 2027. The explanatory document of the Council of the EU emphasizes that the full-scale war unleashed by Russia is ongoing. The security situation in Ukraine is assessed as unstable and critical. In such conditions, the return of refugees to their homeland is not only undesirable, but also dangerous, especially for the most vulnerable categories – women with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The legal basis for the adopted decision was Directive 2001/55/EC, which is an EU mechanism that provides for the introduction of temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons from third countries. This directive allows member countries to collectively guarantee asylum without going through an individual procedure for granting refugee status, which in the conditions of a large-scale war significantly facilitates the process of registration and access to services.
Separately, the document focuses on information exchange mechanisms between member states. It is about preventing situations where the same person receives temporary protection status in several countries at the same time. In order to streamline registration data, EU governments will continue to interact, in particular through digital platforms and databases. This will help ensure an equal distribution of responsibility between states and avoid abuses.
What gives the status of temporary protection: rights and guarantees
For Ukrainians, this decision means preserving the right to legally stay in the European Union for at least another year and a half – until the spring of 2027. According to the conditions of temporary protection, persons who use it have the right to:
- for residence on the territory of an EU member state;
- for employment without the need for additional permits;
- on access to basic medical services;
- for education for children;
- for social assistance, which includes housing support, cash payments and other social services.
The decision of the Council of the EU removes the threat for millions of families who in recent years managed to integrate into local communities, get a job, send their children to schools and get temporary stability. Now they can plan their lives without fear that legal status will end in 2025.
Scales of movement of Ukrainians
According to the official data of the European Union, as of 2025, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians are registered under temporary protection. This is the largest mass case of use of the mechanism of Directive 2001/55/EC since its adoption. The largest Ukrainian communities were formed in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Italy.
For many of these people, the new country became not only a temporary shelter, but actually a second home. They work, pay taxes, study, create businesses, participate in public life. The Ukrainian presence is felt in all spheres — from the economy to culture.
Continuation of temporary protection has not only humanitarian, but also political significance. This is a signal of unity and long-term solidarity with Ukraine. The EU recognizes that the war is not over and that millions of people remain vulnerable. At the same time, this decision preserves social stability within the member states, which have already adapted the infrastructure to receive refugees.
From a practical point of view, Ukrainians will not have to go through repeated procedures to confirm their status — if the situation does not change, the documents will be automatically extended. This will reduce the burden on the administrative services of the countries and allow them to focus on integration issues.
New horizons for Ukrainians in the EU
The EU Council’s decision fits into the broader context of Ukraine’s European integration. Recently, it also became known that from January 1, 2026, Ukraine should join the common space “Roam like at Home”, which will cancel roaming charges for Ukrainian subscribers within the EU. This is another step in the direction of deepening ties between Ukraine and the European community — not only at the level of politics, but also in everyday life.
At the same time, international organizations are paying attention to the economic effect of the Ukrainian presence. According to UN estimates, refugees from Ukraine have become a significant economic factor in many countries, in particular in Poland. The aggregate economic potential of Ukrainians abroad increasingly affects the labor market, consumption and social services.
The extension of temporary protection until March 2027 for millions of Ukrainians means above all peace: children will be able to continue their studies, adults – work, and families – building a life without constant anxiety. However, at the same time, it is also a sign that the war is not over, and the prospect of returning home still remains a distant, albeit desirable, horizon. The EU, by continuing to protect, recognizes this reality – and takes responsibility to continue to be a refuge for those in need.
