On 4 June 2025, the European Commission proposed to prolong the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine until 4 March 2027. This will provide beneficiaries of temporary protection and Member States with the necessary legal certainty, ensuring that the same standards of protection continue to apply across the EU.
To offer a more stable and lasting perspective beyond temporary protection, the Commission has also proposed a set of measures to prepare a coordinated transition out of temporary protection, by way of a Council Recommendation.
The Council Recommendation outlines measures to support beneficiaries of temporary protection, including promoting integration into host countries and facilitating a smooth return to Ukraine. This will be achieved through initiatives such as voluntary return programmes, exploratory visits, and information hubs that provide guidance on integration and return options. The Commission will also appoint a Special Envoy to support Member States in this process and ensure coordination with Ukrainian authorities.
It is now for the Council to formally adopt the proposal for the extension of temporary protection by one year and to endorse the Recommendation proposed by the Commission.
Background
Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, over 4.3 million people have fled the war and found safety, shelter and opportunities across the EU. Member States and their citizens have sent a powerful message of solidarity towards Ukraine and its people, by offering them immediate protection and support, including access to accommodation, healthcare, education and employment.
The activation of the Temporary Protection Directive set out a common EU approach, providing legal certainty to displaced people from Ukraine and to EU Member States. It has provided immediate protection while also preventing an additional strain on already overstretched national asylum systems. Temporary protection, currently in place until March 2026, has therefore proven to be an effective and proportionate response to the exceptional circumstances.
Find out more
A common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU
The Commission’s proposal for a Council Implementing Decision on extending temporary protection
