EU will decide in July whether to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees

The European Union plans to make a decision on the status of Ukrainian refugees after March 2027 in July 2026; if not, the decision is expected in September.

Source: European Pravda correspondent in Brussels, citing EU diplomatic sources

Details: The EU will decide whether to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians in July-September 2026.

"I think these decisions [on temporary protection for Ukrainians – ed.] will be made in September, although it is possible that it will happen earlier, in July," said a senior EU diplomat.

The diplomat said the issue of the status of Ukrainians after March 2027 will be discussed by EU interior ministers in Brussels during a working lunch on 4 June.

"We do not expect any decisions to be taken at this stage," the source told European Pravda.

The official added that discussions on the future status of Ukrainian refugees in the EU are still at an early stage.

The European Commission has not yet presented a specific proposal on next steps, but a document is expected to be drafted following consultations with member states after 4 June.

The Temporary Protection Directive introduced in March 2022 has given millions of Ukrainians access to a range of rights in the EU without overloading asylum systems. Initially designed as a short-term emergency measure, it has been repeatedly extended and is currently in force until 4 March 2027.

As European Pravda reported, on 4 June the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council will discuss a possible extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians and other options for legal residence in the EU, but no decision will be taken on that day.

It has also been reported that Poland supports the idea of excluding Ukrainian men of conscription age from the expanded EU temporary protection scheme currently being discussed by member states.

Some national governments have already begun considering stricter rules for Ukrainians. Denmark, in addition to restrictions for men aged 23-60, is also considering suspending the granting of temporary protection for new arrivals from 14 oblasts deemed less affected by the war.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!