15/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 15 July, the EU Council formally adopted the decision to extend the temporary protection granted to over 4 million Ukrainian refugees in the EU until 4 March 2027. It was due to expire on 4 March 2026. The Ministers of the Interior of the Member States gave their approval on 13 June (see EUROPE 13659/22). “The temporary protection system alleviates the pressure on national asylum systems because persons falling under this type of protection do not need to apply for asylum on an individual basis. The extension until March 2027 is a signal to displaced people from Ukraine that is not necessary to apply for asylum”, explained the Council of the EU. Beneficiaries of temporary protection have the same rights throughout the EU. These rights include residence, access to the labour market and housing, medical assistance, social welfare assistance and access to education for children. (SP)