Temporary protection in the EU for Ukrainians may be extended: what decisions are being discussed

The European Union is discussing a possible extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians, but is simultaneously preparing for a gradual transition to other grounds for residence. Learn more about what changes may be introduced and how this will affect millions of people

Legal assistance for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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European Union member states have begun a new round of discussions regarding a possible extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians who were forced to flee due to the full-scale war. If the decision is approved, the Temporary Protection Directive could remain in effect for a sixth consecutive year. At the same time, officials in Brussels are increasingly emphasizing that the format of this extension could change significantly.

How does temporary protection work in the EU?

The temporary protection mechanism was activated in March 2022 as an emergency response to the mass exodus of people from Ukraine. It allowed millions of Ukrainians to:

legally reside in EU countries

work without additional permits

receive an education

access medical and social services

This served as an alternative to the complex asylum procedure and significantly simplified the integration of Ukrainians in European countries.

In June 2025, member states agreed to extend this mechanism until March 4, 2027.

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How many Ukrainians are under protection?

According to Eurostat, as of January 31, 2026, 4.38 million people who had left Ukraine were under temporary protection in the EU.

The countries that have taken in the most Ukrainians are:

Germany — 1.26 million

Poland — 965,990

Czech Republic — 397,185

These countries remain key destinations for Ukrainians in Europe.

You can learn more about the amount of assistance for Ukrainians in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Spain and other European countries in 2026 by following the link.

Why is the issue back on the agenda?

Despite the current extension through 2027, the Council of the EU has already approved a plan for a gradual exit from the temporary protection system.

In September 2025, a recommendation on a coordinated transition was adopted, which provides for:

preparation for voluntary return to Ukraine (when it becomes safe)

or transition to other grounds for stay—work, study, or family reunification

However, implementing this plan has proven more difficult than expected.

Earlier, we told you what mistakes most often lead to loss of time or status and how to prepare for changing documents.

What scenarios are currently being discussed?

According to European media reports, EU capitals are considering several options:

1. Full extension for everyone

The simplest political option is to extend protection once again without changes.

2. Limited extension

The mechanism could be narrowed to a so-called “residual status” for:

the most vulnerable categories

of individuals who cannot transition to another type of residence permit

3. Greater autonomy for EU countries

Member states could be allowed to independently determine transition rules and conditions of stay.

The main challenge for the EU

The key challenge is that the temporary mechanism has effectively become long-term. At the same time, Ukrainians’ transition to other types of permits is proceeding slowly; many countries lack clear procedures for changing status, and the rules vary significantly from one country to another.

This complicates the formation of a unified policy at the EU level.

What does this mean for Ukrainians?

Even if a decision on a new extension is adopted, experts advise against relying solely on automatic status renewal.

It is already worth:

checking the possibility of obtaining a work or student residence permit

considering options for family reunification

preparing the necessary documents:

employment contract

proof of income

diplomas and certificates

This approach aligns with the EU Council’s overall strategy for the gradual phasing out of temporary protection.

Currently, the European Union faces a difficult choice: to extend a convenient but temporary mechanism or to transition to a more systematic approach to the integration of Ukrainians.

For Ukrainians themselves, this means one thing—the period of “automatic stability” is gradually coming to an end. And the sooner they start planning for long-term status in the EU, the better their chances of avoiding problems in the future.

If you are planning to switch from temporary protection to a residence permit in the EU, it is important to take into account all the legal nuances before submitting documents. Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers will help you assess your situation, choose the best country, and support the application process to avoid mistakes and delays. This is especially true if you have a non-standard case or want to be sure of the result on the first try.