Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in the EU: What Changes Await in 2026

Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in the EU: What Changes Await in 2026

As of the end of summer 2025, over 4.37 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries. However, changes to legislation are planned for 2026 that may impact the status of Ukrainian refugees. In particular, significant changes will occur in Poland, Germany, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and other countries, which are worth examining in more detail.

Changes in EU Countries

In Poland, as of March 4, 2026, the special UKR status for Ukrainian refugees will be abolished. This indicates the state's intention to revise the support and protection mechanisms for Ukrainians seeking shelter. At the same time, according to the recommendations of the European Commission, the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees will be guaranteed until March 4, 2027, which will provide a certain level of stability for those residing in EU countries.

• From January 1, 2026, Ukrainians with temporary protection will be able to apply for a CUKR card, which will grant them access to various social services.
• In Poland, the 'Rodzina 800+' aid program will continue to operate from February 1 to May 31, 2026, offering financial support to families with children.

In Germany, starting July 1, 2026, a reform of the social assistance Bürgergeld is planned, which may change the conditions for receiving social support for Ukrainians. The Czech Republic, where about 400 thousand Ukrainians reside, also has its own support system. State assistance in the Czech Republic for adult Ukrainians amounts to 4860 crowns for 150 days, which may affect the financial stability of Ukrainians living in this country.

As Karolina Haletska noted, 'this bill proposes to end temporary protection for Ukrainians.'

The planned changes in EU legislation may create new challenges for Ukrainian refugees, who are already facing difficulties due to the war in Ukraine. In particular, the abolition of the special status and changes in social support programs may affect their financial stability and access to housing and medical services. At the same time, the extension of temporary protection until 2027 provides a certain level of security for those still facing uncertainty in their homeland.