Deputy Minister of Social Policy for European Integration Ilona Gavronska presented Ukraine’s vision for the return and reintegration of citizens at the International Dialogue on Migration 2025, organized by the International Organization for Migration. As part of the panel “Rethinking Return and Reintegration Programming in Europe and Central Asia,” she outlined Ukraine’s approach to building a fair and predictable system of support for Ukrainians.
Havronska stressed that the end of temporary protection in the EU should be gradual, respecting citizens' right to informed choice. She noted that Ukrainians should receive reliable information in advance about their rights, possible legal grounds after the end of temporary protection, and available support programs.
The second key area is strengthening community capacity. Ukraine, together with European partners, is developing an approach that directs resources to the development of local services, social cohesion, and the integration of citizens.
Special attention is paid to supporting vulnerable groups - people with disabilities, the elderly and families with children. According to Havronska, it is important not only to help Ukrainians make an informed decision about return, but also to ensure the conditions for restoring life with dignity and a sense of belonging.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized three principles that should guide the return process: unity, dignity, and partnership. Unity means supporting the connection of Ukrainians with their homeland and Europe, dignity means recognizing the active participation of citizens in the life of the countries that have accepted them, and partnership means close coordination between Ukraine and the EU.
Ukraine is currently deploying the Unity Network in Spain and Germany to facilitate the return of citizens from the EU. According to the Ministry of Social Policy, about 4.7 million Ukrainians are in EU countries under temporary protection status, which will be valid until March 4, 2027.
