Why is the EU extending protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2027?
"While Russia continues to terrorize the Ukrainian civilian population with indiscriminate airstrikes, we will continue to offer protection to millions of Ukrainian refugees for another year," said Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak. Poland held the presidency of the EU Council until July 2025.
At the same time, Siemoniak emphasized that initial talks on a regulated end to temporary protection are underway - as soon as a "just peace" is achieved in Ukraine. The original regulation was valid until March 4, 2026.
The new regulation is intended to ease the burden on national asylum systems. This is because those who fall under this regulation do not have to submit an individual asylum application.
However, if the situation in Ukraine stabilizes, the safeguard mechanism could also be lifted before the deadline expires - this is at the discretion of the EU Commission and the Council.
Asylum in the EU: No changes to the current regulations for Ukrainians
The extension until March 2027 does not bring any changes to the existing conditions: The rights of Ukrainian refugees who fall under protection remain unchanged. This creates planning security for many refugees - without pressure to return immediately or apply for asylum.
What does temporary protection mean?
The EU activated the temporary protection instrument shortly after the start of the war in February 2022. It grants refugees quick, collective access to protection in all EU states. These include:
- Right to stay in the EU without a visa
- Access to the labor market
- Entitlement to medical care
- Access to housing and social assistance
- Access to education for children
EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner also emphasized in advance: "The situation in Ukraine remains unstable. The extension gives those affected and member states planning security." Brunner also announced the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Ukrainian refugees in order to strengthen coordination between the states.
What could happen after 2027?
Parallel to the extension, the EU is preparing a transition strategy for the time after the war: Well-integrated refugees - for example through work, training or language skills - should be able to switch to regular Residence permit more easily in future. In Germany, the following options, among others, are possible:
- §Section 16a AufenthG: Residence for vocational training
- § Section 16d AufenthG: Measures for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications
- § 16f AufenthG: Language courses and school attendance
- § 17 AufenthG: Looking for a training or study place
- § 18a and § 18b AufenthG: Gainful employment
- § 19c AufenthG: other employment
- § Section 21 AufenthG: Self-employment
- §§ 27-36 Residence Act: Family reunification
At the same time, however, prospects for voluntary return to Ukraine are to be created as soon as the security situation allows. The aim is to create long-term solutions that meet both the needs of those seeking protection and the capacities of the host countries.
Our recommendation; apply for a Residence permit in good time
Even though protection status is now secured until 2027, it is advisable for Ukrainian refugees to apply for a regular Residence permit in Germany at an early stage.
This is the only way to obtain a permanent residenceSettlement permit(Settlement permit) or Naturalization in Germany later on.
New law: dual citizenship possible in Ukraine
Another important step for refugees living permanently in the EU: In June 2025, Ukraine passed a law allowing dual law allowing dual and multiple citizenship in June 2025. Until now, this was not officially possible.
With the new regulation, Ukraine wants to strengthen ties with the global diaspora and respond to the demographic consequences of the war. Around 20 million people with Ukrainian roots live around the world.
The new regulation affects in particular:
- Children born abroad to Ukrainian parents
- Spouse of a Ukrainian citizen
- Foreign volunteers fighting in Ukraine
With the reform of German citizenship law (in force since June 2024) , dual citizenship is now also possible in Germany. This means that Ukrainians who are naturalized will be able to retain their Ukrainian citizenship in addition to their German passport.
