EU protection status: Faeser for extension of protection for Ukraine refugees

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has spoken out in favor of extending the protection status for Ukrainian war refugees in the EU. “I very much support that we as the European Union extend the protection status of refugees from Ukraine,” Faeser told the newspapers of the Funke media group. She will discuss and decide on this shortly with the other EU interior ministers.

On Wednesday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the Commission would propose to extend the rules for temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU. According to von der Leyen’s wishes, war refugees should be able to stay in the EU without any problems at least until March 2025. She spoke of four million people who had found refuge in the EU since the war began in February 2022.

EU directive in the event of a “mass influx”

Shortly after the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU states activated the directive in the event of a “mass influx” of displaced people. It was last extended until March 4, 2024. The next extension would probably last until March 2025. The advantage of the rule is that those affected do not have to go through a lengthy asylum procedure. They also have the immediate right to social benefits, education, accommodation and a work permit.

Faeser told the Funke newspapers: “We must continue to protect the lives of many people who had to flee from Putin’s barbaric war.” More than a million Ukrainians have found protection from the attacks in Germany, a very large proportion of which are women and children. Many people in Germany have gone above and beyond to help refugees. Faeser added: “Through this great joint effort, we have saved many lives and shown great solidarity with Ukraine. We must provide this help as long as this terrible war lasts.”