2.6. EU solidarity with Ukraine

2.6. EU solidarity with Ukraine

Throughout 2025, the EU continued to provide its unwavering support to Ukraine and the millions of displaced persons hosted in EU Member States. Taking into account the volatile situation in Ukraine more than 3 years after the Russian invasion, the dual goal of European policymakers was the continuation of temporary protection solutions, while offering lasting perspectives to displaced persons from Ukraine. To address this dual need, following a proposal by the European Commission, in June 2025 the EU Council extended temporary protection until 4 March 2027.81 At the same time, a set of measures were put forth to prepare a coordinated transition toward more sustainable, long-term solutions.82 These measures included transiting to other legal statuses, such as residence permits based on employment, education and research. In addition to providing the possibility of stable forms of legal residence in the EU, other measures may facilitate the gradual and orderly return to Ukraine through exploratory visits or voluntary returns. To this end, a number of information centres, called Unity Hubs, were established in EU Member States to provide information and support to displaced persons from Ukraine either their inclusion into the host society or returning home when the conditions allow.83

It is essential that the way forward is uniform, predictable and ensures a balanced impact on Member States. A catalyst to achieve is enhanced coordination and communication among Member States, EU institutions, international organisations and Ukrainian authorities. To this end, in June 2025 the European Commission appointed Ylva Johansson as a Special Envoy for Ukrainians in the EU, responsible for the implementation of the EU’s coordinated approach to temporary protection and transitioning from temporary protection to long-term solutions. The Special Envoy will also ensure that displaced Ukrainians in the EU receive sufficient information and assistance for a smooth, supported and well-managed transition to the path they choose.84

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided almost EUR 200 billion in support for Ukraine and its people.85 The Solidarity Platform, managed by the European Commission, brings together EU countries, international partners and EU agencies to ensure coordinated implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive, while the EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint monitors the situation on a continuous basis and collects and analyses information to provide situational awareness and forecasting and inform effective and timely responses.86 The Ukraine Facility, set up for the years 2024-2027, is a dedicated instrument which has allowed the EU to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation, as well as facilitate alignment with EU laws and the implementation of needed reforms in Ukraine’s EU accession path.