Latest news with #MagnusBrunner
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EU extends asylum protections for Ukrainian refugees, stressed as ‘temporary'
June 4 (UPI) -- The European Union's Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner spoke Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium to announce the EU has extended its deadline in regard to the unchallenged, but temporary, provision of asylum to displaced Ukrainians by an extra year. The EU had already put in action a decree that Ukrainians do not need to apply for asylum to enter EU member states, which was also rolled out to avoid potentially overwhelming national asylum systems. That decree, originally set to expire in March 2026, will now continue until March 2027. "Temporary protection was part of our commitment to Ukraine, an unprecedented measure to show solidarity with the millions of people uprooted by Russia's illegal aggression," Brunner said. He stressed that this protection is designed to be temporary, and that the EU has begun to create an exit strategy to send displaced people back to Ukraine "once they are able to, or when temporary protection ends." The EU also proclaimed it has added more than $4.5 billion in funds related to migration and asylum in addition to the over $17 billion provided to member states who are involved with those who seek asylum. "After all, hosting 4.3 million people creates challenges, and some member states have been under particular pressure," Brunner said. He further explained that should Russia's war on Ukraine end before the 2027 deadline, the temporary protection could also end earlier than that point. As for Ukrainians now located in EU countries, they are welcome to apply for work and student visas. Ukrainians are also allowed to return to their home country now, as it is facing worker shortages, so EU member states will provide what Brunner describes as "go-and-see" visits in order to explore if a return to Ukraine is workable, then come back to the EU member country if need be. "As Russia's attacks against Ukraine intensify, we will extend protection for another year, while also preparing for various scenarios to support Ukrainians' decision to remain or return," Brunner later posted Wednesday to X that. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov also publicly spoke with Brunner in Brussels, and later posted to social media Wednesday that, in conjunction with its international partners "we are also developing mechanisms for the voluntary return of Ukrainians. Our goal is to jointly create the conditions for Ukrainians to return home safely, with dignity, and at the right time."
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
EU extends asylum protections for Ukrainian refugees, stressed as ‘temporary'
June 4 (UPI) -- The European Union's Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner spoke Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium to announce the EU has extended its deadline in regard to the unchallenged, but temporary, provision of asylum to displaced Ukrainians by an extra year. The EU had already put in action a decree that Ukrainians do not need to apply for asylum to enter EU member states, which was also rolled out to avoid potentially overwhelming national asylum systems. That decree, originally set to expire in March 2026, will now continue until March 2027. "Temporary protection was part of our commitment to Ukraine, an unprecedented measure to show solidarity with the millions of people uprooted by Russia's illegal aggression," Brunner said. He stressed that this protection is designed to be temporary, and that the EU has begun to create an exit strategy to send displaced people back to Ukraine "once they are able to, or when temporary protection ends." The EU also proclaimed it has added more than $4.5 billion in funds related to migration and asylum in addition to the over $17 billion provided to member states who are involved with those who seek asylum. "After all, hosting 4.3 million people creates challenges, and some member states have been under particular pressure," Brunner said. He further explained that should Russia's war on Ukraine end before the 2027 deadline, the temporary protection could also end earlier than that point. As for Ukrainians now located in EU countries, they are welcome to apply for work and student visas. Ukrainians are also allowed to return to their home country now, as it is facing worker shortages, so EU member states will provide what Brunner describes as "go-and-see" visits in order to explore if a return to Ukraine is workable, then come back to the EU member country if need be. "As Russia's attacks against Ukraine intensify, we will extend protection for another year, while also preparing for various scenarios to support Ukrainians' decision to remain or return," Brunner later posted Wednesday to X that. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov also publicly spoke with Brunner in Brussels, and later posted to social media Wednesday that, in conjunction with its international partners "we are also developing mechanisms for the voluntary return of Ukrainians. Our goal is to jointly create the conditions for Ukrainians to return home safely, with dignity, and at the right time." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU plans would extend right for 4m Ukrainians to stay in bloc until 2027
The European Commission has said more than four million Ukrainians living in the EU should have their right to stay extended until March 2027, while calling for efforts to promote voluntary returns to their home country. Temporary protection status for Ukrainians who fled after Russia's full-scale invasion of February 2022 would be extended by one year until March 2027, under a European Commission proposal published on Wednesday. EU member states must approve the extension, which applies to 4.3 million Ukrainians, one-third of whom are children. While calling for the extension, the commission also urged EU governments to think beyond the temporary fix by making it easier for Ukrainians to obtain other types of residence permits, such as work and student visas. It said governments should set up programmes to promote voluntary returns to Ukraine, including by supporting exploratory visits. Magnus Brunner, the EU's internal affairs commissioner, stressed that all returns would be voluntary and that ending temporary protection status would be a decision taken with EU member states and Ukraine 'once we have a stable situation'. The proposals came as Ukraine's government outlined plans for 'unity hubs' – community centres which will offer its citizens information about returning home and integrating into their host societies. The first unity hub is due to open this summer in Berlin, with others planned in Prague and Alicante. Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Chernyshov, told reporters: 'We desperately need Ukrainians back home once the war is over. We need to develop the Ukrainian economy, we need to transform Ukraine into a prosperous economy and develop democracy.' Chernyshov said that if Ukraine were to attain the 'quite achievable' goal of doubling the size of its economy in the decade after the war it could need an additional four million people in the labour market. 'Only the strong economy can pave the way to the future success of Ukraine and successful integration into the European Union,' he added. The proposals follow inconclusive talks in Istanbul, where Russia and Ukraine agreed only on a prisoner exchange, while Moscow refuses to compromise on its maximalist war aims, which include the recognition of four Ukrainian regions it claims, but does not fully occupy. Chernyshov noted that 'the results we are getting with these talks are not the ones that could have been achieved'. He said a voluntary returns programme being developed with UN agencies the IOM and UNHCR, would answer questions facing every Ukrainian family now in Europe: 'How they will return back home? What are going to be the possibilities and proposals for their job? Where are they going to live, where are their kids going to go to school. What is the healthcare system proposal – and so on.' The commission is releasing €4bn to support Ukrainians in the EU, on top of €15bn allocated to member states since 2022. The EU activated its temporary protection directive for Ukrainians in March 2022, in an unprecedented gesture of support. That temporary status has been extended several times, but several EU governments have begun exploring other options. In the Czech Republic, Ukrainians earning at least 440,000 Czech crowns (€17,700), with two years' residence, can now apply for a long-term residence permit. In Poland, Ukrainians who have had temporary protection for at least one year can apply for a three-year residence permit, although they would lose certain benefits such as free healthcare and a waiver on university tuition fees. Norway, which is outside the EU but operates a similar temporary protection scheme, announced last year it was tightening up rules, so Ukrainians from areas that are considered safe would be treated like any other asylum seeker and not automatically granted the right to stay. Support for Ukrainians in the EU remains high, but has ebbed since the early days of the invasion. By February 2024, 71% of people surveyed by Eurobarometer supported Ukrainian refugees, compared with 88% in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. - The Guardian Read More Zelensky calls Russia peace proposal an 'ultimatum' and demands talks with Putin
UPI
2 days ago
- Business
- UPI
EU extends asylum protections for Ukrainian refugees, stressed as 'temporary'
EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner (L) and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium Wednesday. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET June 4 (UPI) -- The European Union's Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner spoke Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium to announce the EU has extended its deadline in regard to the unchallenged, but temporary, provision of asylum to displaced Ukrainians by an extra year. The EU had already put in action a decree that Ukrainians do not need to apply for asylum to enter EU member states, which was also rolled out to avoid potentially overwhelming national asylum systems. That decree, originally set to expire in March 2026, will now continue until March 2027. "Temporary protection was part of our commitment to Ukraine, an unprecedented measure to show solidarity with the millions of people uprooted by Russia's illegal aggression," Brunner said. He stressed that this protection is designed to be temporary, and that the EU has begun to create an exit strategy to send displaced people back to Ukraine "once they are able to, or when temporary protection ends." The EU also proclaimed it has added more than $4.5 billion in funds related to migration and asylum in addition to the over $17 billion provided to member states who are involved with those who seek asylum. "After all, hosting 4.3 million people creates challenges, and some member states have been under particular pressure," Brunner said. He further explained that should Russia's war on Ukraine end before the 2027 deadline, the temporary protection could also end earlier than that point. As for Ukrainians now located in EU countries, they are welcome to apply for work and student visas. Ukrainians are also allowed to return to their home country now, as it is facing worker shortages, so EU member states will provide what Brunner describes as "go-and-see" visits in order to explore if a return to Ukraine is workable, then come back to the EU member country if need be. "As Russia's attacks against Ukraine intensify, we will extend protection for another year, while also preparing for various scenarios to support Ukrainians' decision to remain or return," Brunner later posted Wednesday to X that. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov also publicly spoke with Brunner in Brussels, and later posted to social media Wednesday that, in conjunction with its international partners "we are also developing mechanisms for the voluntary return of Ukrainians. Our goal is to jointly create the conditions for Ukrainians to return home safely, with dignity, and at the right time."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EU to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2027
The European Union will prolong the temporary protection status for Ukrainians forced to flee their country due to the war until 4 March 2027. The European Commission is also preparing recommendations for member states on further integration of those working or studying and ensuring the possibility of voluntary return. Source: Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, and Oleksii Chernyshov, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity, speaking to a journalist in Brussels on 4 June, as reported by European Pravda Details: Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU will be extended until 4 March 2027, after which it will end. However, the European Commission will propose recommendations to member states for coordinated follow-up actions, Brunner and Chernyshov said. Quote from the European Commission: "With Russia continuing its illegal attacks, and the situation in Ukraine remaining volatile, the Commission is proposing to prolong the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia's aggression against Ukraine for an additional year until 4 March 2027. To offer a more stable and lasting perspective, the Commission is also proposing to member states to prepare for a coordinated transition out of temporary protection by way of a Council recommendation. The proposed measures address the needs of those residing in the EU as well as the need for Ukraine to rebuild the country, including by supporting safe, voluntary and dignified returns and reintegration." Details: The next step in approving this decision is for the EU Council to officially adopt the proposal to extend temporary protection for another year, alongside recommendations from the Council of the EU. The Commission's recommendations prepared for the EU Council include: Facilitating and easing the transition of Ukrainians to other legal statuses. Those integrated into host societies, who have learned the language, found work or education, should have the option to switch to a national or European legal status better reflecting their situation, such as a residence permit based on employment, education, research, or long-term resident status. Creating voluntary return programmes, in close coordination with Ukrainian authorities, to ensure a gradual return after temporary protection ends. Permission for familiarisation visits to Ukraine will be available for those considering returning home to make an informed decision. Launching Unity Hubs in EU member states to support both integration of Ukrainians in host countries and their return to Ukraine. These centres may be funded by the Commission through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The Commission will also appoint a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU to support member states. Coordinating and exchanging information between member states and Ukraine via the Solidarity Platform and the Temporary Protection Registration Platform. Background: Earlier, Vsevolod Chentsov, Ukraine's Ambassador to the EU, stated that temporary protection would be extended by another year. The EU Council previously extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2026. As of 31 March 2025, just over 4.26 million people who are not EU citizens and fled Ukraine due to Russia's full-scale invasion were granted temporary protection in the European Union. It was reported that the EU is also considering the possibility of granting them other statuses to extend their stay in the European Union. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
