The Council of Europe has called for patience regarding the phasing out of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty urged European states not to rush to abolish temporary protection and support programs for Ukrainians who were forced to flee due to the war.
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement in which he urged European states not to rush to phase out or restrict existing support programs for Ukrainians who have fled to the EU due to the war.
The Commissioner noted that as of March 2026, there were approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians with temporary protection in EU countries, and expressed concern about discussions regarding a review of support policies, particularly regarding possible restrictions on men of draft age or residents of relatively safer regions of Ukraine.
He also drew attention to cuts in social assistance, policies encouraging return, and the rise of so-called “Ukrainian refugee fatigue” in the societies of host countries.
“Now is the time for greater solidarity, not less… The current reality in Ukraine does not meet the conditions for a safe and dignified return,” the official emphasized.
According to him, reducing support without taking all circumstances into account could lead to Ukrainians finding themselves in a difficult legal and financial situation and returning not voluntarily, but under duress.
O’Flaherty also noted that denying protection based on generalized criteria raises human rights concerns, and that no region of Ukraine is entirely safe due to regular Russian shelling.
In addition, he emphasized that linking restrictions to military service could prompt some people to seek asylum, so countries should apply an individual approach to each case.
In conclusion, the commissioner called on Council of Europe member states to maintain temporary protection “for as long as necessary,” avoid policies that encourage forced returns, and take into account vulnerable groups of Ukrainians, according to the EP.
As a reminder, the European Commission is proposing to revise the rules on protection for Ukrainians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which the parties discussed Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and strengthening the protection of Ukrainian airspace.
The European Commission plans to propose on June 16 the opening of the first round of negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union.
