After three years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what is the state of play concerning displaced Ukrainians in EU Member States? by Krzysztof Balon

After three years of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what is the state of play concerning displaced Ukrainians in EU Member States?

The temporary protection being granted to the Ukrainians who fleed to the EU as a result of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is on one hand very favorable for the victims of Russian aggression: they enjoy formally a status which almost compares with a status of EU citizens, without the necessity of individual applications, including employment, education, social help – also in the area of housing – and healthcare.

However, on the othe other hand, it is only temporary, which means a big uncertainity even if the regulation has been newly prolongued till March 2027. Member states does not have any transition procedures for people who enjoying temporary protection. Under this circumstances the companies and even public employers do not want to take the risk to permanent employ Ukrainians under temporary protection. This problem concerns especially persons with high level of education and valuable professional experience.

At the other end of the spectrum are unemployed people and people with special needs like persons traumatized by war, older persons, persons experiencing mental and psychosocial health problems as well as persons with disabilities or orphans: in many members states there is a very limited access to and affordability of health and social services, even for their own citizens. This situation could generate conflitcs and cause weakening of solidarity with the Ukraine, which is fighting against the aggression directed not only against own independency and freedom but also against the European Union.

So the access to the health and social services, the housing and and the labour market integration remain the key issues within the temporary protection status. Therefore the member states should urgently create transition measures under ational law from the temporary protection to other forms of the legalization of residence of Ukrainians.

How can EESC help with their integration and working conditions in the EU Member States?

Through further opinions and other works, like conferences and seminars the EESC will continue efforts towards professional and social integration of the Ukrainians in the EU.

In particular, the EESC will support the proposed Solidarity Platform Ukraine; it will also encourage civil society organizations in the member states, like associations being worked in the area of culture, sport and social integration but also trade unions to ensure the conditions for the participation of Ukrainians in their activities and to facilitate of the membership.

The EESC will call on national, regional and local authorities to support such initiatives, including initiatives aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture and language, both among the Ukrainian community and in host societies.

Moreover, the EESC will encourage civil society organizations and social economy entities to create resp. develop social, health and educational services dedicated to the Ukrainians and their local neighbours, based on the co-creation principle.