Contrary to what we wrote in our edition of 11 October (see EUROPE 13039/14), the extension of the Temporary Protection Directive until “March 2024”, as announced by Commissioner Ylva Johansson, has not yet been agreed, but will be discussed with Member States.
The 2001 directive, which was activated in March for a period of one year, allows for the automatic renewal of this protection that is currently offered to 4.2 million Ukrainians. This will be for a period of six months and for a further year. This renewal will therefore have to be agreed by March 2023. “I would like to announce today that the Temporary Protection Directive will remain in force until at least March 2024”, the Commissioner said at a press briefing on 11 October, calling on Member States to adapt their legislation if it does not provide for this period.
However, a diplomatic source indicated on 11 October that the extension of temporary protection measures will be discussed on 14 October in Luxembourg at the meeting of interior ministers. According to this source, Member States could also decide to begin with an initial 6-month extension. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)