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

Background

Russia’s unjustified and illegal full-scale aggression against Ukraine in 2022 triggered an unprecedented influx of people from Ukraine to the European Union. Until today, around 4.5 million people  have fled Ukraine and found shelter in the European Union, mainly in Germany and in Poland.

The EESC which has stood firmly against this aggression since day one, highlights the role of civil society organisations when the greatest influx of people from Ukraine occurred. This role was also important at a later stage when it became necessary to implement measures to help Ukrainians to integrate.

This opinion presents a series of recommendations for the EU to move from emergency measures to a sustainable, inclusive, and coordinated approach for Ukrainians in the EU. It emphasizes solidarity, integration, and the need for both immediate and long-term solutions, with a strong role for civil society and a focus on protecting vulnerable groups.

Key points

In this opinion the EESC:

• welcomes the extension of temporary protection mechanism, which was activated for the first time in 2022, granting Ukrainians the right to move, work, and access public services across the EU;
• urges the European Commission and Member States to develop pathways for Ukrainians to transition from temporary to more permanent residence, emphasizing the need for legal certainty and integration support;
• highlights that integrating Ukrainian children into EU education systems is vital for their future and for building community ties. The Committee recommends support for youth organizations and cultural initiatives is recommended;
• stresses the importance of establishing fair working conditions for Ukrainians, both within the EU and in Ukraine, while Member States are expected to combat exploitation and unequal treatment of Ukrainians in employment.

Additional Information

EESC section: External Relations (REX)

Opinion number: REX/-608 EESC-2025

Opinion type: Referral COM(2025) 649 final

Rapporteur: Mateusz SZYMAŃSKI, Workers - GR II/Poland, co-rapporteur: Krzysztof BALON, Civil Society Organisations - GR III/Poland

Date of adoption by the section: 7 November 2025

Date of adoption in plenary: 3-4 December 2025

Result of the vote in plenary: 212 in favour/2 against/5  abstentions

Contact

Millie Tsoumani

Press Officer, Email: amalia.tsoumani@eesc.europa.eu

Katarina Albrechtova

Policy Officer, Email: Katarina.Albrechtova@eesc.europa.eu