On Tuesday 16 September, the EU Council approved a common framework for Ukrainians displaced by the war to “ensure sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine, when conditions allow, as well as a gradual transition to other residence statuses for those eligible”, according to a press release.
The recommendation adopted, on which only Hungary abstained, calls on the EU to prepare a coordinated approach when conditions in Ukraine are conducive to phasing out the temporary protection status.
This has been extended until 4 March 2027 (see EUROPE 13681/11), but this recommendation should help Member States to consider future forms of legal residence.
They are invited to offer displaced Ukrainians national residence permits, issued, for example, for reasons relating to employment, training, education or the family, if the persons meet certain conditions, the press release stresses.
“People enjoying temporary protection should also be allowed to apply for statuses under EU law, for instance related to highly qualified employment. It is not possible to hold statuses under EU law simultaneously with benefiting from temporary protection”.
“Many Ukrainians who fled from the war need support in order to be able to return to Ukraine and reintegrate into Ukrainian society. Member States can help them by allowing them to undertake exploratory visits to Ukraine. The conditions for these exploratory visits should be coordinated among EU countries”.
Member States should also provide for voluntary return programmes valid for a limited period and coordinate the conditions of these programmes with the Ukrainian authorities and other Member States. They should also extend temporary protection rights (e.g. housing, medical care and schooling) to people enrolled in voluntary return programmes.
In particular, EU countries should set up information systems and campaigns concerning voluntary return programmes. They can also create reception centres, funded by EU programmes.
Member States should also continue to ensure that information is provided to displaced Ukrainians on the possibilities of applying for an alternative legal status, the impact on their benefits and rights, and assistance in returning to Ukraine.
The document had not yet been published at the time of going to press. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)