EU has not yet decided whether to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians

Discussions are still underway in the European Union on whether temporary protection for Ukrainians should be extended for another year.

"What I can say is that discussions are ongoing," European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said.

Lammert said "the Commission has basically launched discussions with member states in March at the March Justice and Home Affairs Council".

"So, discussions are ongoing at the moment. We think that this is a necessary discussion. This is about the support of Ukraine and refugees from Ukraine. So, this is something that's taking place, but there is no decision at this stage," he added.

It was reported earlier that the European Commission is discussing with EU member states possible unified solutions regarding the status of Ukrainians living in the EU after March 2027, including both the potential termination of temporary protection and its extension for another year.

The Temporary Protection Directive, introduced in March 2022, granted millions of Ukrainians access to a range of rights in the EU without overburdening asylum systems.

Initially designed as a short-term emergency measure, the directive has been extended multiple times and is currently in force until 4 March 2027.

A recent UN report has projected that if a "fragile peace with concessions" were achieved in the Russia-Ukraine war this year, over half of the current number of Ukrainian refugees would remain in Europe until the end of 2029.