The European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027, which provided millions of citizens with stability, access to housing, education, and employment. However, as the Ministry of Social Policy emphasizes, Ukraine and the EU are now moving into a new phase of cooperation — planning further steps after the temporary protection expires.
At the 45th meeting of the Solidarity Platform with Ukraine, organized by the European Commission, the Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, Ilona Gavronska, presented approaches to the coordinated end of the Temporary Protection Directive. The event was attended by the EU Special Representative for Ukrainians, Ylva Johansson, representatives of the European Commission, governments of the Member States and international organizations.
According to Ilona Gavronska, the new phase of cooperation should be built on predictability, fairness and respect for the choice of each person. Ukraine, together with European partners, is working to create conditions that will allow Ukrainians to either remain in the EU countries or return home without losing social guarantees and support.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the important role of Ukrainian communities abroad, which are becoming key partners in the reintegration process of those who decide to return. She presented the concept of the Unity Network - an infrastructure that should unite all EU countries by the end of 2026. Within the framework of this initiative, Unity Centers and Ukrainian organizations abroad will provide consulting, informational and psychological support during the preparation for return.
"Our priority is to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian communities to receive and support those who return. Programs developed in cooperation with European partners should direct resources to housing development, job creation, and strengthening social cohesion," Havronska emphasized.
In turn, Ylva Johansson outlined the European Union's vision: a transition from protection to partnership. The EU seeks not only to help Ukrainians who have been forced to leave the country, but also to maintain their connection with their homeland, language and culture, preparing the ground for Ukraine's future reconstruction.
“We are moving from protecting people who fled war to supporting the future of Ukraine,” Johansson said.
Currently, about 4.3 million Ukrainians enjoy the right to temporary protection in the countries of the European Union. And although there is a difficult process of gradual transition ahead, both sides emphasize that it must be humane, coordinated and based on the principles of unity, dignity and partnership.
