On Wednesday, the European Commission introduced a long-term plan for Ukrainian refugees, focusing on either securing permanent legal status for them or supporting their eventual return to Ukraine.
Although the Commission will extend temporary protection for those escaping Russia’s invasion until March 2027, it encourages EU member states to begin shifting refugees toward more permanent residency options, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said during a press briefing.
In collaboration with Kyiv, Brussels is also preparing for a phased return of Ukrainians to their homeland. To manage this process, a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU will be appointed. Additionally, the Commission plans to help set up “Unity Hubs” — joint information centers operated with Ukraine to offer advice on integration and return opportunities.
“Above all, Ukraine needs its people back, and we must support Ukrainians in making well-informed choices about their futures — whether that means returning home or continuing to support Ukraine from abroad for now,” Brunner stated in an official release.
Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU activated temporary protection measures allowing displaced Ukrainians to live in Europe. Over 4.3 million Ukrainians have taken refuge under this protection, which has been extended multiple times, most recently until March 2026.
At the same press conference, Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine’s minister of national unity responsible for refugee affairs, stressed that temporary protection should stay active “until lasting peace is secured,” while also noting that Ukrainians will be crucial back home once the conflict ends.
Ukraine has long aimed to bring back those who fled in 2022. While some European officials express concern about “refugee fatigue” among host nations, others see retaining Ukrainian refugees as beneficial for strengthening their labor forces.
Chernyshov acknowledged that some refugees will choose to remain in the EU after the war concludes and emphasized Ukraine’s desire for their successful integration.
