Temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s military aggression
The ministries of internal affairs of the European Union have agreed to trigger a never-before-used directive to provide temporary protection to Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s military aggression. This is the largest exodus since the end of World War II – more than a million Ukrainians have fled their country in a week, according to the NGO’s Refugee Agency.
Most of these people have arrived in EU countries, with Poland registering more than half a million Ukrainian refugees and Hungary more than 130,000.
To deal with the large and sudden number of migrants, the 27 Member States have activated a 2001 directive that has never been used before and is designed to provide immediate assistance and protection to refugees from war.
The Temporary Protection Directive traditionally circumvents the cumbersome asylum procedure and offers a quick and easy way to access protection throughout the EU.
Following a meeting in Brussels on Thursday, national ministers reached a unanimous agreement to continue the process of activating the Temporary Protection Directive. It will enter into force once the proposal is formally adopted by the EU Council, a step expected to take place in the coming days.
In addition to the right to reside in an EU Member State, the directive provides access to the education system, the labor market, healthcare, housing, professional assistance and social care.
Read more about the status of temporary protection here.