A coalition of humanitarian and human rights organizations has called on European Union (EU) member states to strengthen protections for people fleeing Ukraine, warning that proposed changes to the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) could leave thousands without adequate legal safeguards.
The appeal follows the European Commission’s proposal to extend temporary protection for people displaced by the war in Ukraine until March 2028. The extension would continue to provide protection for nearly 4.4 million Ukrainians living across the EU, reflecting the continued insecurity and humanitarian needs caused by the ongoing conflict.
While welcoming the proposed extension, the organizations expressed concern over a proposal that would exclude future applicants who cannot demonstrate they were legally authorized to leave Ukraine under Ukrainian law. They argue that such a measure would undermine the purpose of the Temporary Protection Directive, create legal uncertainty, and disproportionately affect Ukrainian men subject to military exit restrictions.
The organizations contend that eligibility for temporary protection should be based on an individual’s need for international protection rather than administrative exit rules imposed by their country of origin. They also warned that restricting access to temporary protection could increase the number of undocumented people in Europe and place additional pressure on national asylum systems.
The joint statement emphasized that anyone fleeing Ukraine should continue to have effective access to asylum procedures in line with international and European law, including the right to seek international protection guaranteed under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The groups also expressed concern that several EU member states have begun reducing housing support, healthcare services, financial assistance, and reception conditions for people currently benefiting from temporary protection. They warned that these reductions could create unequal levels of protection across the European Union while increasing uncertainty for displaced families who are still unable to return safely to Ukraine.
In addition, the organizations noted that many member states have made limited progress in preparing long-term pathways for people currently covered by temporary protection. Although some countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Italy, have introduced transition measures, many governments have yet to establish comprehensive strategies that prevent beneficiaries from becoming undocumented once temporary protection eventually ends.
The coalition urged EU governments to use the proposed extension to strengthen, rather than weaken, the protection framework by maintaining access to temporary protection, ensuring continued social support, and developing coordinated long-term solutions that uphold legal certainty, solidarity, and fundamental rights for everyone displaced by the war in Ukraine.
