EU extends social protection measures for Ukrainian refugees

The European Union has confirmed that social protection measures for Ukrainian refugees will remain in place until March 4, 2026, regardless of the ongoing peace negotiations in Ukraine.

The announcement was made by European Commission representative Markus Lammert during a briefing in Brussels on April 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Lammert clarified that the protection measures, initially introduced in March 2022, are set to remain in effect until the specified date, with the possibility of further extension through a separate decision by the European Commission, subject to approval by the EU Council.

The current provisions grant Ukrainian refugees the right to stay and reside within EU territory, access to the labor market, social security systems, healthcare, education, and other social programs, all without requiring additional permits or documents.

These measures were first introduced for an initial period of one year, then extended annually to address the growing number of refugees and their integration into European societies amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

By Khagan Isayev