On 17 June, the European Commission designated its former Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, as Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU. As announced in the recently adopted Communication on a Common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU, the Special Envoy will oversee the setting up of Unity Hubs across the EU.
Unity Hubs will serve as multipurpose information centres in the Member States providing numerous services, support, and assistance to Ukrainians living abroad. The Hubs’ main purpose will be to assist those who fled the Russian war of aggression, either to further integrate into their EU host societies or to facilitate their return home, should they decide to do so.
The role of the Special Envoy will include coordination with national representatives in the Member States, as well as international organisations (UNHCR, IOM and ICMPD) and the Ministry of National Unity in Ukraine, who suggested the concept of Unity Hubs to maintain contact with Ukrainians abroad.
Background
To reinforce its unwavering support to Ukraine, the Commission presented the outline of a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU, on 4 June 2025. While extending temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU to 4 March 2027, the proposed measures also ensure stability, paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection into new integration statuses or a return home.
The role of the newly appointed Special Envoy for the Ukrainians in the EU will be to make sure that Ukrainians in the EU receive sufficient information and assistance, whichever path they chose, so that their transition is smooth, supported and well managed.
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A common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU
