The Communication on Temporary Protection Directive has been adopted by the European Commission. This Directive was first activated on March 4, 2022, in response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. It is intended to provide protection for people fleeing war.
Around 4 million people have been granted protection in the EU since then, with more than 3million in the first half 2022. All registered people had access to the labour market, education, and housing. The EU’s response in the face of the Ukrainian war shows that it is possible to act together. The EU’s Temporary Protection Directive is an indispensable tool to provide immediate protection and should be kept in place for future generations.
This Communication reviews the Directive’s implementation in the past year and draws lessons from them. It also identifies priority areas that require continued effort.
In a nutshell, the EU’s response to
While providing immediate protection, the Directive reduced formalities to a minimum. This protection was complemented by a comprehensive, harmonised set rights.
- Registration and documentation Member states quickly set up the necessary procedures to register and issue documentation.
- Children’s special protection:Currently, close to a fifth of children in Ukraine seek refuge in the EU.
- Accessing education and vocational training in the EU:Around half a million Ukrainian students were enrolled in education systems throughout the EU at the start of the September school year.
- Supporting victims of war crimes and addressing risks of human trafficking: The Common Anti-Trafficking Plan was created by the EU to raise awareness and stop human trafficking.
- Accessing healthcare and social benefits: Nearly 2 000 Ukrainian refugees have been evacuated to 20 EU and EEA member countries. Mental health and psychosocial support are available in most Member States for those who fled war.
- Access to Jobs: approximately one million people have been displaced in Europe. The EU has created a Talent pool Pilot to support integration of the labour market.
- Access housing and accommodation: The ‘ Safe Homes‘ guidance aids Member States, local and regional authorities, as well as civil society, in the organization of private housing initiatives. The International Federation of Red Cross supported the Safe Homes project and the Commission launched a request for proposals to grant project grants.
The Solidarity Platform “Ukraine”, which was set up by the Commission shortly after activation of Directive, has played an important role in ensuring a coordinated reply.
The operational support provided by the Commission and its Agencies to Member States has been . The EU Agency for Asylum assists 13 Member States in their temporary protection, asylum and reception needs. To support border management in front-line Member States, around 200 Frontex staff have been deployed to Moldova and five Member States. To channel more than 80 000 tonnes of in-kind aid to Ukraine, three EU Civil Protection Mechanism Hubs were set up in Member States.
To address the needs for displaced persons, the EU also provided financial assistance. Through its CARE and FAST CARE packages, the EU has provided total funding of EUR13.6 billion. EUR1 billion was reprogrammed through the cohesion funds, and EUR400m were made available via Home Affairs funds.
The EU has also intensified its cooperation with international partners like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as relevant international organisations.
Next Steps
The European Union will support Ukraine for as long it takes. The protection has been extended to March 2024, and could be extended further until 2025. If necessary , the Commission will take all steps to extend protection. A strong EU coordinated approach will also be taken to ensure a seamless transition to other legal statuses that would permit access to rights beyond the maximum period of temporary protection and targeted support to persons who have fled Ukraine and want to return home.
The Commission believes that the Temporary Protection Directive should be retained as part of the EU’s toolbox of measures based on the year of its implementation. The Commission will collaborate with co-legislators in order to ensure that the European Union has the right tools for the future. It will also make sure that the proposal of the Commission for a Crisis or Force Majeure Regulation is properly articulated.
Background
The Commission’s proposal was unanimously approved by the Member States and activated the Temporary Protection directive on 4 March 2022, one week after Russian forces invaded Ukraine. At the start of the war, the Commission established the Solidarity Platform Ukraine’. It brings together EU institutions and Member States, Schengen Associated Countries (SSCs), EU Agencies, international organizations, Ukrainian and Moldovan officials, as well as EU agencies, EU institutions, EU member states, EU Agencies, EU Agencies, EU Institutions, and EU Agencies. It provides a forum for informal discussion and flexibility on operational issues to coordinate ground support. The rapid establishment of the Temporary Protect Registration Platform was possible thanks to the quick exchange of information and accurate data collected through the EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network. This was also made possible by the work of European Asylum Agencies.
More information
Factsheet Temporary Protect Directive Factsheet
Factsheet: EU support for member states to meet the needs of refugees
1 Year of Ukrainian Resistance
A 10-Point Plan To Strengthen European Coordination on the Acception of People fleeing from the War in Ukraine
Temporary Protection for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine: One year on
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