The EU Council approved a plan to end protection for Ukrainians: what will happen after 2027.

According to inkorr.com: The Council of the European Union has adopted recommendations for the gradual closure of the temporary protection program for Ukrainians by March 2027. The new proposals suggest that refugees will be able to transition to other forms of legal residency. This was reported by the EU press service. Experts also discussed who among Ukrainians will be allowed to remain in Germany after the program ends.

“The recommendations are an attempt to avoid chaos after the end of temporary protection,” explains Vit Novotny, an expert from the Brussels Center for European Studies.

However, the document does not contain clear instructions, and the decision has been left to national governments, which will independently determine what statuses to grant.

Some EU countries are still not ready to offer alternatives to Ukrainians

The temporary protection program (TPD) was activated in March 2022 for Ukrainians fleeing the war. The program is set to end on March 4, 2027, so EU countries have already begun preparations. Some of them, including Germany, are amending legislation to transition to national statuses, while others have not yet started preparatory work.

Expert Martin Wagner notes: “Voluntary return programs will allow individuals to remain in the EU until their validity ends.”

Are deportations of Ukrainians from the EU planned after the end of temporary protection?

Experts are confident that no forced deportations are planned.

“As long as Russian bombs are falling in Ukraine, the risk of deportations is minimal,” emphasizes Novotny.

Wagner adds that the EU understands the situation in Ukraine. In case the war continues, it's possible to extend the TPD for those who are already in the EU, or provide statuses similar to the German “duldung” – temporary suspension of deportations.

Advice for Ukrainians:

• Do not panic: EU countries are looking for optimal solutions.
• Gather information: contact Ukrainian embassies, local authorities, or international organizations.
• Make informed decisions: assess whether to stay in the EU or return home.

Brussels is trying to balance humanitarian obligations with the national interests of member states. For many Ukrainians who have adapted to European society, new statuses may provide opportunities for stable living, as much depends on the policies of individual countries. In any case, the situation remains tense, and it is important to stay updated with the latest news to be aware of the recent changes.