What Will Happen to Ukrainian Refugees After the End of Temporary Protection in the EU – Ukraine Is Forming an Action Plan for 2026-2027

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine announced the start of public consultations on the draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On Approval of the Action Plan for 2026-2027 to Respond to Challenges Related to the Possible End of Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Citizens in the Territory of the European Union."

As noted by the ministry, the purpose of the document is the timely and coordinated preparation of the state for the possible termination of the temporary protection regime for Ukrainians in EU member states, as well as the creation of conditions for their voluntary return to Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, Ilona Havronska, emphasized that it is important for the document to be practical, clear, and to take into account the real needs of people regardless of when they decide to return to Ukraine — immediately after the end of temporary protection or later. That is why the ministry seeks to receive proposals from all interested parties.

What directions does the plan include

The main directions of the plan include coordination with EU member states, development of the Unity Network for Ukrainians abroad, launch of digital support tools, strengthening the capacity of communities in Ukraine, as well as creating conditions for voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of citizens.

Why was there a need to prepare the plan

According to the explanatory note to the draft, due to the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, millions of citizens were forced to leave the country.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as of April 30, 2025, there were 5.76 million Ukrainian refugees worldwide, of whom about 5.2 million were in Europe.

At the same time, according to Eurostat, as of March 31, 2026, 4.33 million Ukrainian citizens who left due to Russian aggression had temporary protection in EU member states.

The document states that temporary protection remains the main legal mechanism for the stay of a significant part of Ukrainians in EU countries.

Temporary protection extended until 2027

According to the EU Council Implementing Decision 2025/1460 of July 15, 2025, the temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine has been extended until March 4, 2027.

This decision provides Ukrainians with the opportunity for legal residence in EU member states and access to basic rights and services according to the legislation of the host countries.

At the same time, the explanatory note emphasizes that the extension of temporary protection does not eliminate the need for timely preparation for the possible termination or transformation of this regime.

In particular, the EU Council Recommendation of September 16, 2025, foresees a gradual and coordinated transition from the temporary protection regime to other legal residence statuses, as well as measures for orderly voluntary return of Ukrainian citizens and their sustainable reintegration.

What the draft government decision provides

The draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers proposes to approve the Action Plan for 2026–2027 to respond to challenges related to the possible end of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in the territory of the European Union.

The document states that the development of the plan is necessary to prepare the state for a possible change in the legal status of Ukrainians in EU countries, to ensure support for their voluntary return to their abandoned place of residence or integration at a new place of residence in Ukraine, as well as to coordinate the actions of all interested parties.

The development of the plan is provided for by task No. 203 of the Government's Priority Action Plan for 2026, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine resolution No. 306-r dated March 30, 2026.

Funding and legal aspects

The explanatory note states that the implementation of the act will be carried out within the framework of the Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget for 2026."

Funding for the measures in 2026–2027 is planned to be provided from existing budget programs of the state and local budgets, as well as other sources not prohibited by law.

In the field of legal regulation, the Constitution of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine "On Central Executive Authorities" apply.

The document also states that the draft does not contain provisions that create corruption risks, grounds for discrimination, or affect ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men.

How to participate in the discussion

The Ministry of Social Policy called on representatives of the public, local self-government bodies, international partners, and other interested parties to join the discussion of the draft and send their proposals and comments.

Proposals and comments will be accepted within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of the document. They can be submitted in writing to the address: 01601, Kyiv, Esplanadna St., 8/10, or electronically to the address: [email protected].

After the deadline for submission, review, and summarization of proposals, a report on the results of the electronic consultations will be published on the official website of the Ministry of Social Policy.

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