The European Union is likely to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year - until March 2028, said Ilva Johansson, the EU Special Representative for Ukrainian Affairs, in an interview with DW.
The European Union is likely to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainians for another year, until 2028. "Given the current situation, I think (the European Commission) will propose to extend it for another year - until March 2028. And I believe that the EU member states will agree to this," said Ilva Johansson, the EU Special Representative for Ukrainian Affairs, in an interview with the Ukrainian-language video podcast DW "You Are Being Called by Brussels."
According to her, discussions are ongoing among EU member states regarding a common approach to the future of temporary protection for Ukrainians. "In my opinion, it seems that we will come to an extension of temporary protection, possibly with some minor adjustments, but mostly - for another year," Johansson said. She also noted that she expects a corresponding proposal from the European Commission "quite soon," as member states "are ready to do this."
Ilva Johansson expressed the view that the EU understands that many Ukrainians are concerned about what will happen after March 2027. This approach is due to the ongoing war, and a peace agreement or even a sustainable ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is not expected in the near future.
"We do not see a peace agreement in the near future. And therefore, people certainly need to understand what will happen next," noted the EU Special Representative for Ukrainian Affairs.
At the same time, Ilva Johansson emphasized that Ukrainians who have been living in EU countries for several years should gradually transition from temporary protection to other legal grounds for residence. "I do not think it is a good idea to remain under temporary protection for five or six years. One should transition to another, more suitable legal basis," she stated.
The EU's temporary protection mechanism was activated in March 2022 after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It gives Ukrainians the right to live, work, and study in EU countries. Currently, more than 4 million Ukrainians in the EU are benefiting from this status.
