Protection of displaced Ukrainians: Council adopts recommendation about transition out of temporary protection 10:17 The Council adopts a recommendation on the transition away[...]

Today the Council agreed on a common framework for displaced Ukrainians to ensure a sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine, when conditions allow, as well as a gradual transition to other residence statuses for those eligible.

With this recommendation the EU is preparing for a coordinated approach for when conditions in Ukraine are conducive to phasing out the temporary protection status.

The recommendation also contains measures to ensure information provision to displaced persons and measures to ensure coordination, monitoring and exchange of information among member states and Ukraine.

Transition to other legal residence statuses

Member states are called upon to offer displaced Ukrainians national residence permits, issued for instance on grounds related to employment, training, education or family grounds, if the persons meet certain conditions.

People enjoying temporary protection should also be allowed to apply for statuses under EU law, for instance related to highy qualified employment. It is not possible to hold statuses under EU law simultaneously with benefitting from temporary protection.

Reintegration support and voluntary returns

Many Ukrainians who fled from the war need support in order to be able to return to Ukraine and reintegrate into Ukrainian society. Member states can help them by allowing them to undertake exploratory visits to Ukraine. The conditions for these exploratory visits should be coordinated among EU countries.

Member states should also provide for voluntary return programmes valid for a limited time period - and coordinate the conditions of those programmes with the Ukrainian authorities and other member states. They should furthermore extend the temporary protection rights (e.g. related to housing, medical care and schooling) to people enrolled in voluntary return programmes.

Information for displaced people

Member states should also ensure that they provide information to displaced Ukrainians - regarding opportunities to apply for another legal status, the impact on their advantages and rights, and support for returning to Ukraine.

EU countries should in particular set up information systems and campaigns concerning voluntary return programmes. They can also establish so-called Unity Hubs, which can be financed through EU programmes. Unity Hubs can serve as points of contact for displaced Ukrainians in a member state, provide assistance with documents and also employment advice in Ukraine and the host country.

Next steps

The recommendation, which is a guidance for EU member states, will enter into force following its adoption.

Background

Since March 2022, the EU offered safety and shelter to over 4 million displaced Ukrainians. Displaced persons from Ukraine who are unable to return home because of Russia's war of aggression will enjoy temporary protection in the EU until 4 March 2027.

The temporary protection system alleviates the pressure on national asylum systems because persons falling under this type of protection do not need to apply for asylum on an individual basis.

The recommendation that member states adopted today responds to their aspiration to coordinate the transitioning out and end of temporary protection. It also aims to guarantee shared responsibility throughout this process.

• EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)
• EU member states agree to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine (press release, 13 June 2025)