EC proposes extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in EU until March 2026

BRUSSELS. June 11 (Interfax) - The European Commission (EC) has proposed extending temporary protection in the European Union for refugees from Ukraine for another year, from March 5, 2025 to March 4, 2026.

"Safe and durable conditions for return are not currently in place, the Commission therefore considers that the reasons for temporary protection persist and that it should be extended for another year," EC spokesman Christian Wiegand said at a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday.

This would ensure that the position of the 4.2 million people who are already being hosted in the EU is stable in the current circumstances, he said.

Brussels said that the EC would present the proposal to the EU's Justice and Home Affairs Council on June 13. The council is to formally approve the proposal.