On Tuesday 6 June, Lodewijk Asscher, the Special Adviser for Ukraine responsible for assessing Member States’ efforts to integrate Ukrainian refugees into employment and European societies in general, submitted a generally positive report to the European Commission on the implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive, which was enforced in March 2022.
However, he asked the Member States to consider what will happen to these refugees when this directive on temporary protection ceases to apply - in principle after March 2025, when it is renewed.
But even if this protection is extended, “ many displaced persons from Ukraine are unlikely to be able to return home”, warned the former Dutch Social Affairs Minister.
The Special Adviser also warns against a certain “fatigue” in the solidarity expressed towards these refugees, particularly in countries with large numbers of Ukrainians and certain social groups. Poland and Germany have each welcomed more than a million.
Nevertheless, the report concludes that the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive in March 2022 remains a “success”, having enabled a large number of Ukrainians to enter the labour market.
During a press briefing with the Adviser on 6 June, European Commissioner for Employment Nicolas Schmit explained that more than a million contracts have been signed thus far.
“Most refugees find work, but not at a level commensurate with their qualifications”, said the Special Adviser, calling on Member States to make greater use of refugees’ skills and give them easy access to language courses or training.
As far as children are concerned, the report notes that child protection and the establishment of childcare and education facilities have been an absolute priority, as many children arriving from Ukraine are without parents or guardians.
Around 69% of displaced children were under 13, and 0.5% of them were unaccompanied minors.
However, the document notes that despite the improvements, difficulties remain in registering children with national child protection services and in providing community and family support.
The report also looks at housing and health.
Link to the document: https://aeur.eu/f/78q (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)