The European Commission has proposed extending the temporary protection status for over 4 million Ukrainians residing in EU countries until March 2027. This extension affects approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians, one-third of whom are children.

The proposal, published on Wednesday, requires approval from EU member states.

The commission emphasized the need for EU governments to consider options beyond temporary protection.

Recommendations include easing the pathways for Ukrainians to secure work and student visas.

Additionally, the commission called for the establishment of programs to promote voluntary returns to Ukraine, which could include supporting preliminary visits for displaced individuals.

EU internal affairs commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that any return policy would be voluntary and highlighted that the decision to end temporary protection would be made in consultation with EU member states and the Ukrainian government, contingent on achieving a stable situation in Ukraine.

Coinciding with these proposals, Ukraine's government announced plans for “unity hubs” aimed at assisting citizens by providing information about returning home and integrating into host communities.

The first unity hub is set to open this summer in Berlin, with additional hubs planned in cities like Prague and Alicante.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov underscored the importance of returning Ukrainians to support post-war recovery efforts.

He noted the necessity for skilled labor to help develop Ukraine's economy and stated an ambition to double the economy’s size in the decade following the war, which may require an influx of up to 4 million people into the workforce.

Chernyshov stated, "Only a strong economy can pave the way to the future success of Ukraine and successful integration into the European Union."

These proposals emerged following discussions in Istanbul, where Russia and Ukraine were only able to reach an agreement on a prisoner exchange, with Russia maintaining its firm stance on territorial claims.

Chernyshov expressed dissatisfaction with the results of these discussions, stressing the importance of developing a voluntary return program in collaboration with UN agencies such as IOM and UNHCR.

This program aims to address critical questions regarding the reintegration of families in Ukraine, including employment opportunities, housing, education for children, and healthcare resources.

The European Commission also allocated an additional €4 billion to support Ukrainian individuals and families residing in the EU, supplementing earlier assistance of €15 billion provided since the onset of the conflict in 2022. Temporary protection for Ukrainians was first activated in March 2022, marking a significant response from the EU to the influx of displaced individuals due to the conflict.

Although support for Ukrainians in the EU remains robust, recent surveys indicate a decline in support levels from the initial stages of the crisis.

As of February 2024, 71% of respondents in Eurobarometer surveys expressed support for Ukrainian refugees, down from 88% shortly after the invasion began.