EU supports Member States to meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees
Since the Russian invasion, some 3.5 million people have arrived in the EU
The European Commission has outlined the actions being taken to support Member States in meeting the needs of those fleeing the war against Ukraine and its people.
Since the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion, some 3.5 million people – mainly women and children – have arrived in the EU in the space of just four weeks. Around 6.5 million people are estimated to be displaced internally.
The EU's welcome to those who arrived on EU territory is epitomised by the first-ever activation of the Temporary Protection Directive, offering quick assistance and a clear legal status. Beyond the immediate support provided in terms of assistance at the border, reception and civil protection, the EU is now taking further steps to help Member States ensure beneficiaries can effectively access their right to education, healthcare, accommodation and jobs – hallmarks of the European way of life – through a number of support measures.
The Commission has also set up a Solidarity Platform, bringing together Member States and EU Agencies, to coordinate support to Member States in need. The Platform will help organise the transfers of people within the EU to the Member States that have reception capacity and can also help establish pathways towards non-EU countries that already host significant Ukrainian communities.
Moreover, the Commission has taken immediate action to help mobilise financial support to Member States hosting those fleeing war in Ukraine through the Cohesion's Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE), amendments to the 2014-2020 Home Affairs Funds, tailor-made support via the Technical Support Instrument, funding under REACT-EU, and funding under the agreed 2021-2027 financial framework from both Home Affairs and Cohesion Policy funds.
This Communication follows from the decision taken on March 4 to introduce temporary protection for persons fleeing the war, which grants them the right to accommodation, healthcare, access to the jobs market and education. It complements the Commission’s operational guidelines to support Member States in applying the Temporary Protection Directive as well as the Commission’s operational guidelines on external border management, intended to help Member States’ border guards in managing arrivals at the borders with Ukraine efficiently.
More Information:
Communication on Welcoming those fleeing war in Ukraine: Readying Europe to meet the needs
Factsheet on EU preparedness to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine
Website - EU solidarity with Ukraine
Website - Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine