EU discusses gradual winding down of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees
The European Union is preparing to adopt a new decision on the future of temporary protection for Ukrainians who left the country due to the war, and it is expected that the corresponding proposal will be presented in June, Euractiv reports.
This is a possible extension of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for another year - until March 2027. This will be the last extension, which will probably be accompanied by an unofficial EU statement on the gradual winding down of the program, the publication notes.
The TPD Directive was launched in March 2022 as an emergency mechanism for the collective protection of Ukrainians. Initially, it provided for only two extensions - until March 2025. The deadline was later extended to March 2026.
However, according to the publication's sources in diplomatic circles, active discussions are currently underway in Brussels on an "exit strategy," taking into account the changing geopolitical context. This issue will probably be discussed at the meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on June 12-13.