The European Commission proposes that the Temporary Protection Directive be activated in order to provide timely and efficient support to those escaping the conflict in Ukraine. Those fleeing from the conflict will be granted temporary protection in Europe, which means they will be issued a residency permit and will have access to education and the labour market as a result of the proposed legislation.
The Commission is also releasing operational recommendations to assist Member States’ border guards in efficiently managing arrivals at Ukraine’s borders while ensuring a high degree of security. The guidelines also urge that Member States establish dedicated emergency support lanes to channel humanitarian supplies, as well as reiterating the potential of allowing humanitarian access to the EU.
“Europe stands by those in need of protection. All those fleeing Putin’s bombs are welcome in Europe. We will provide protection to those seeking shelter and we will help those looking for a safe way home,” stated Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said: “In a historically unprecedented move, the Commission is today proposing to grant immediate protection in the EU for those fleeing Ukraine. All those fleeing the war will be provided with a secure status and access to schools, medical care and work. At the same time, we are working to facilitate efficient crossings at the borders for people and their pets, with the necessary security checks. The times are bearing heavily down upon us but the European Union and every single one of its Member States is showing beyond a doubt that we are ready to step up to the plate and stand in solidarity with Ukraine.”
“I’m proud of how the EU and Member States are giving immediate support to those coming from the horrific threats of war. With our proposals today, we will give Member States further capacity to manage this crisis in an orderly and effective way. We will grant residency rights, labour market access and housing to people in need and finally with the guidelines we will make sure those fleeing the war in Ukraine can get to the EU quickly, without going through lengthy formalities at the borders,” said Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs.
Over 650,000 individuals have migrated to neighbouring EU Member States since Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine. The Temporary Protection Directive was created to provide prompt protection to those who require it while also avoiding overburdening Member States’ asylum procedures.
Ukrainian nationals and those who have made Ukraine their home, as well as their family members who have been displaced by the conflict, shall be entitled to protection within the European Union under this plan. Non-Ukrainian nationals and stateless people legally resident in Ukraine who are unable to return to their home country or region, such as asylum seekers or recipients of international protection, as well as their family members, shall be granted refuge in the EU. Others who are legally present in Ukraine for a limited period of time and may safely return to their home country will be excluded from this protection. Nonetheless, they should be allowed to travel through the EU before returning to their home nations.
Source: EU Commission
