How EU plans to bring Ukrainians back home and what exceptions might apply
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU will end after 4 March 2027. This decision is final and will not be amended, even if the war has not ended by that time.
On 16 September, the EU Council formally adopted a new Recommendation on the transition away from temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.
Brussels believes the document will help avoid chaotic returns of Ukrainians, prevent further illegal stays in the EU, and reduce pressure on asylum systems, as sometimes occurred in the past after temporary protection for refugees from other countries ended.
Read more about what Brussels is proposing EU member states do with Ukrainians in the article by Tetiana Vysotska, a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels: Time to return to Ukraine? How the EU will change the rules for Ukrainian "refugees" after 2026.
The approved document recommends that EU member states use all available opportunities to allow Ukrainians who have integrated into society to transition to national legal statuses.
This means either granting national residence permits (based on employment, self-employment, studies, research, family circumstances or special programs) or residence permits under EU directives (for example, the EU Blue Card, study and research permits or a single permit).
One of the key ideas of the Recommendation is the gradual return of Ukrainians to their home country.
To help Ukrainians who decide to return make informed decisions, which will also support sustainable returns, member states are advised to encourage exploratory trips to Ukraine at the Ukrainians’ own expense (particularly in countries that do not allow people under temporary protection to travel abroad).
This way, people can check on their property in Ukraine or assess the level of destruction in their communities and general living conditions.
EU countries should also develop special programs for the voluntary return of Ukrainians within one year after temporary protection ends.
Member states must allow Ukrainians whose children are minors and attending school to remain in the EU beyond the temporary protection period so that students can complete the current school year.
Special attention should be given to people with special needs, who may require additional time and support before returning to Ukraine.
To help Ukrainians make informed decisions about their future, the EU plans to create Unity Hubs and unified databases.
Unity Hubs are specialised support centers where displaced persons can get guidance on transitioning to other statuses, conditions for voluntary return or opportunities in a particular EU country.
Unified databases will track how many people are still using temporary protection, who is transitioning to other statuses, and who is returning home.
In early October, the European Commission will convene a meeting of the Ukraine Solidarity Platform, which will discuss the launch and guidance of the transition of Ukrainians to other legal residence statuses in EU member states.
Although the EU Council Recommendation is not legally binding, it was approved by member states, signaling their readiness to implement its provisions. The Commission will continue to work with member states and Ukrainian authorities to support the Recommendation’s implementation.