The Estonian Government has approved its position on the draft EU Council decision regarding the possible extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2028. According to Interior Minister Igor Taro, this will allow Ukrainian citizens who have fled the war to remain, work and study in the European Union, should the decision be adopted.
Briefly about the main points
- Estonia has backed a proposal to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2028.
- In the EU, approximately 4.4 million people are receiving temporary protection.
- The draft proposes that new applicants subject to military service in Ukraine should not be granted protection.
- The current protection for Ukrainians who are already registered remains in place.
- Estonia advocates a common EU policy on refugees.
Estonia’s position on the continuation of protection
The Estonian Government has approved its position on a draft EU Council decision providing for the possible extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2028. The Minister of the Interior Igor Taro He emphasised that the country supports Ukraine and its citizens who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression, as well as the European Union’s common approach to assisting refugees.
According to Taro, many Ukrainians are unable to return home due to the occupation of part of the country and constant attacks on towns and infrastructure. Continued protection gives them a sense of security and the opportunity to organise their lives abroad.
Key changes to the rules on temporary protection
The European Commission has proposed extending the temporary protection scheme until 4 March 2028. In addition, the draft proposes that future applicants — Ukrainian citizens who are unable to leave Ukraine due to military service — will no longer be eligible for temporary protection in the EU.
This change will not affect those who have already been granted protection in EU countries — their rights remain in force. Temporary protection allows Ukrainians to live, work, study and access social and healthcare services in the EU.
European coordination and the future of the protection system
Igor Taro emphasised the importance of a unified approach to temporary protection among EU countries. At the same time, he noted that EU member states should prepare for the coordinated phasing out of this system by developing mechanisms to enable refugees to switch to other grounds for residence or to return to Ukraine once this becomes possible.
The minister added that discussions on the future status of Ukrainian refugees can only take place once the war has ended, the duration of which is currently impossible to predict.
The scope of the temporary protection measures in the EU
According to EU figures, approximately 4.4 million people who have fled Ukraine are currently receiving temporary protection in EU countries. In Estonia, there is a registration centre for Ukrainian refugees in Tallinn, where they can receive the necessary assistance and sort out their paperwork.
Temporary protection provides access to work, education and healthcare, enabling Ukrainians to integrate into their new countries of residence.
The importance of temporary protection
Support for the proposal to extend temporary protection guarantees Ukrainian refugees stability and access to fundamental rights within the EU should the proposal be adopted. At the same time, the changes for new applicants reflect the EU’s commitment to adapting its policy in line with the circumstances of the war. The future of the temporary protection scheme depends on how the situation in Ukraine develops, and it is currently unclear when refugees will be able to return home safely.
