Panel Discussion: 'Ukrainians in the EU – Balancing Integration and Return'
On October 14, 2026, Brussels hosted a significant discussion titled 'Ukrainians in the EU: Between Integration and Return, a Shared Future for Communities.' The event focused on the living conditions of Ukrainians residing under temporary protection across EU countries, the challenges of progressing toward long-term legal solutions, and the essential role of local governments in maintaining diaspora connections and supporting Ukraine's reconstruction. Organized by the Civil Society Institute for Social Innovation Development (IRSI) in partnership with the Agency for Recovery and Development, this dialogue took place within the framework of the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities (EURegionsWeek).
At the start, it was highlighted that over 4 million Ukrainians currently benefit from temporary protection within the European Union. Participants included representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, Committee of the Regions, the Ukrainian government, local authorities, and various civil society organizations. Notably, in September 2025, the EU Council adopted recommendations to support the transition from temporary protection to more permanent legal statuses for Ukrainians, although the specific regulations differ across member states.
Discussion Panels and Key Topics
The event featured two main panels. The first, titled 'Who Makes Decisions and Are They Aware of Their Consequences?', brought together figures such as Csilla Völgyi (DG HOME, European Commission), MEP Thijs Reuten, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine Ilona Havronska, among others. The second panel, 'What Works and Why Doesn’t It Scale?', gathered representatives from Ukrainian authorities, local governments, and NGOs.
Speakers emphasized that infrastructure restoration and human capital preservation must be addressed simultaneously. Community development strategies, recovery programs, and investment plans need to incorporate demographic shifts and the potential return of displaced residents. The European Committee of the Regions is preparing an opinion piece focused on transitioning Ukrainians from temporary protection to sustainable legal frameworks within the EU.
Key recommendations to support Ukrainians in the EU included:
- Building durable partnerships between Ukrainian and European communities;
- Ensuring local communities have access to international funding;
- Engaging local governments in integration and return policy development;
- Incorporating Ukrainians abroad into national recovery strategies.
The discussion underscored that integrating Ukrainians into EU societies and rebuilding Ukrainian communities must form parts of a unified, long-term policy approach.
Other critical themes addressed were the advancement of circular migration models that maintain ties between host countries and Ukraine, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, harmonization of social rights and mobility mechanisms, and mobilizing the Ukrainian diaspora to contribute to economic growth and community restoration. The dialogue also highlighted the necessity of aligning migration policies with labor market demands, vocational education, and regional development goals.
This forum provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on how to effectively support Ukrainians throughout the EU, taking into account the varied needs and resources of regions ranging from frontline areas to large urban centers and small towns.
This discussion highlights the crucial importance of strong cooperation between Ukrainian communities and European institutions to secure stable legal status for Ukrainians in the EU. – anonymous
The involvement of officials from multiple governance levels and organizations reflects the increasing attention to integration and reconstruction challenges amid the ongoing political and social realities. Empowering local authorities and fostering community partnerships could prove vital in addressing the obstacles faced by Ukrainians abroad while contributing to Ukraine’s recovery in the context of war.
As the discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainians in the EU, it is essential to consider the broader context of policy reforms aimed at supporting Ukraine's integration into the European community. Recent advancements by the EU Commission, including a comprehensive reform package to facilitate enlargement and Ukraine's accession, could significantly impact the future of Ukrainians living abroad. For more insights into these developments, read about the EU's efforts to support Ukraine's EU accession.