EU discussing phase-out of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees

MOSCOW. May 27 (Interfax) - The European Union is preparing to adopt a new decision regarding future temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled their country because of the crisis, with relevant proposals expected to become available in June, Ukrainian media said, citing the Euractiv news website.

Specifically, the EU is considering prolonging the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for another year until March 2027, which is expected to be the program's last extension, to be potentially accompanied by the EU's unofficial statement outlining the phase-out of the protection, Euractiv said.

The EU triggered the TPD in March 2022 as an emergency mechanism. Originally, the directive was understood to allow only two extensions, capping protection at three years until March 2025. However, it was subsequently stretched to March 2026.

Talks of "exit strategies" are now gaining ground in Brussels, Euractiv's diplomatic source said, citing the shifting geopolitical landscape. EU member states could take up this issue as early as June 12-13 at a meeting of the Justice Home Affairs Council.