Refugee Status for Ukrainians in the EU: What the Future of Protection Depends On

According to Deputy Minister of Social Policy Ilona Havronska, decisions regarding the future temporary protection for Ukrainians in the European Union will be made taking into account the situation at the front and the level of safety in Ukraine. She emphasized that any changes in refugee status should occur in the context of the real conditions of war.

After the temporary protection for Ukrainians expires, various scenarios are possible, such as obtaining other types of residence permits, voluntary return to Ukraine, or applying international protection standards as stipulated by the Geneva Convention. Havronska noted that it is important to maintain a humane and flexible approach to each category of citizens, as each story is unique.

'The most important thing is a humane and flexible approach to each category of citizens. Each story is unique, so decisions cannot be the same for everyone,' the government official emphasized.

According to studies, about 64% of Ukrainians under temporary protection in EU countries express their intention to return home as soon as it becomes possible. Therefore, the government, together with the EU Special Representative Ilva Johansson, is working on creating a safe and organized mechanism for returning citizens.

The Ukrainian authorities, together with EU representatives, are working on the mechanism for the future temporary protection for Ukrainians in the European Union. After this protection ends, Ukrainians in EU countries will be able to decide their fate by obtaining various residence permits, returning to Ukraine, or applying international protection standards. It is important that decisions are made taking into account each unique story and the needs of citizens.