On Tuesday, the European Commission presented a plan that provides that until March 2025, Ukrainian refugees will be authorized to stay in the European Union without being obliged to apply for asylum.
Ukrainian refugees in Isaccea, RomaniaPhoto: Daniel MIHAILESCU / AFP / Profimedia
“We support our words with deeds. We have been protecting those in need since the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and we will continue to do so as long as necessary,” European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ylva Johansson said on Tuesday, according to the DPA and Agerpres agencies.
Ukrainians fleeing the war are exempt from the lengthy asylum procedures usually required by EU member states. Instead, they are immediately eligible for social benefits, work permits and access to education and housing.
EU countries initially decided to suspend asylum conditions for Ukrainians following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Four million Ukrainians found refuge in the EU after the Russians began their invasion of Ukraine.
“The EU will continue to work with our member states and other partners to ensure that those in need are protected on European soil,” Johansson said.
The current exception will expire in March 2024. EU member states must approve the extension for another year.
A first announcement in this regard was made last week by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in her annual speech on the State of the European Union, presented in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
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