In the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE)’s view, if the continued management of the displacement from Ukraine is to be ensured, provisions already need to be made for what happens after March 2025. 

While no preference is expressed for a particular option or scenario, the policy paper highlights, inter alia, the options of (assisted) voluntary return to Ukraine, the extension of TP regimes, asylum applications and other protection statuses/rights to remain in national law, new protection statuses in EU law, and transition to work-based permits.

Concluding with a set of recommendations to the relevant actors, the policy paper argues that while it is developing a strategy and plans for the post-TPD period, the EU should use its existing legal tools to ensure the long-term prospects for those willing to return and for those who have to stay in EU Member States, including exploring the potential of new statuses.

For more information, please read the press release from ECRE and the full paper attached below.