More than 4 million Ukrainians applied for temporary protection to the EU
This was announced by Ilva Johansson after signing the Administrative Agreements on establishing cooperation between the European Commission and the State Migration Service within the framework of the European Migration Network, which took place during a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denis Monastyrsky.
According to Ilva Johansson, more than 8 million Ukrainians were forced to leave Ukraine and move to EU countries. And this figure in number is equal to the population of the average country in Europe.
“At the beginning of the war, I was on the border of Poland with Ukraine, visited the border with Romania, was in Estonia and saw Ukrainians crossing the border. They were extremely exhausted, they were carrying extremely tired and frightened children. More than 4 million Ukrainians applied for status under the temporary protection instrument provided by the EU. This mechanism has been activated for the first time in 20 years since it was adopted. It provides an opportunity for refugees to seek help and be able to get a job, and their children to attend schools, kindergartens,” the EU Commissioner said.
Also, the participants of the meeting discussed the possibility for Ukrainians who are currently in the EU to come home without deregistration.
“I have a message for Ukrainians who are in EU countries that you have the opportunity to go home, if there is a need, to see your loved ones. If it is not a long-term trip, then it can be done without deregistration in the EU,” Ilva Johansson said.
However, those who decide to return to Ukraine for permanent residence in the EU are urged to notify the relevant authorities about the cancellation of registration under the temporary protection instrument.
“If there is a need to return to the EU, Ukrainians will have the opportunity to register again under the temporary protection instrument. I emphasize that we stand with you, we stand with Ukrainians, because you are fighting for those values that we absolutely cherish and share. The EU is absolutely and unanimously in favor of Ukraine, this support is also in the interests of the EU, since Ukraine is part of the EU. So we will be waiting for you at home,” the EU Commissioner added.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
