A predictable and common European way forward for Ukrainians in the EU

Key points

The EU Youth Test at the EESC was applied to this opinion. ESDN Youth was chosen by a group of interested youth organisations to represent all of them during the opinion-making process. This opinion was selected also for the Enlargement Candidate Members' (ECMs) initiative. 

The EESC:

• reiterates its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and recalls that the Russia’s aggression against Ukraine caused millions of Ukrainians to flee the danger, and highlights the role played by civil society organisations when the greatest influx of displaced people from Ukraine occurred;
• notes that the temporary protection has proven to be a beneficial solution for displaced people from Ukraine, while the conditions for returning to Ukraine do not yet exist due to the ongoing aggression, and welcomes the decision to extend temporary protection for a further period;
• underscores the need for a long-term perspective for people enjoying the temporary protection and calls on the European Commission and the Member States to take steps to facilitate an easy transition to a more permanent basis for residence and a gradual move away from temporary protection;
• points out that the situation related to the arrival of Ukrainians in the EU has increased pressure on the public service systems of the Member States and stresses the need to increase investment in high-quality services of general interest, including housing, which should be available on an equal footing to all people legally residing in the EU;  
• notes that efforts should be made to ensure the successful integration of Ukrainians in the EU through language courses, support for local community initiatives, the education of Ukrainian children in the Member States, and countering disinformation and Russian intelligence activities, as well as by involving them in organisations operating in their local communities;
• stresses the importance of establishing fair working conditions for Ukrainians, both within the EU and in Ukraine - Member States are expected to combat exploitation and unequal treatment of Ukrainians in employment, while the Ukrainian government is expected to restore favourable solutions for workers and trade union activities through social dialogue.