Will Ukrainians be deported from Germany after 2027?

The European Council has approved recommendations for the gradual phasing out of the temporary protection program for Ukrainians by March 2027. The new proposals suggest transitioning refugees to other forms of legal residency. This was reported by the EU press service. Journalists from DW asked experts who among Ukrainians would be allowed to stay in Germany after the temporary protection ends.

«The recommendations are an attempt to avoid chaos after the temporary protection ends,» explains Vit Novotny, an expert from the Brussels Center for European Studies. 

However, the document does not contain clear instructions, leaving decisions to national governments. Countries will determine which statuses to grant.

Some EU countries have not yet considered what to offer to Ukrainians

Temporary protection (TPD) was activated in March 2022 for Ukrainians fleeing the war. It will end on March 4, 2027, and EU countries are already preparing for this. Some countries, like Germany, where many Ukrainians reside, have already made legislative changes to transition to national statuses. Others have not yet begun preparations. 

Expert Martin Wagner notes: «Voluntary return programs will allow them to remain in the EU until their expiration.»

Will there be deportations of Ukrainians from the EU after the temporary protection ends?

Experts assure that no coercive measures are planned. 

«As long as Russian bombs are falling in Ukraine, the risk of deportations is minimal,» emphasizes Novotny. 

Wagner adds that everyone in the EU understands the situation in Ukraine. In case the war continues, there might be an extension of TPD for those already in the EU or granting statuses similar to the German «Duldung» – temporary suspension of deportation.

Advice for Ukrainians:

• Do not panic: EU countries are looking for optimal solutions.

• Gather information: contact Ukrainian embassies, local authorities or international organizations.

• Make informed decisions: assess whether to stay in the EU or return home.

Brussels is trying to balance humanitarian obligations and the national interests of member states. For Ukrainians who have integrated into European society, new statuses may represent a chance for stability, but much depends on the policies of each country.

Earlier, we wrote that Poland is changing the rules for Ukrainians.