Over 650,000 Ukrainians have fled to the neighbouring EU Member States since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Today, the European Commission has suggested activating the Temporary Protection Directive to provide more assistance to people fleeing during the war in Ukraine, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
This proposal indicates that the EU will provide temporary assistance to those fleeing the war, by granting them residence permits and access to education and the labour market.
The Temporary Protection Directive offers answers to the present situation by providing immediate protection and rights, reducing pressure on national asylum systems, enhancing solidarity and responsibility sharing, and further support from EU Agencies.
The Council has already expressed broad support for the measures at Thursday’s meeting on February 27 and pledged to discuss the two documents in the Justice and Home Affairs Council on Thursday, March 3. Once approved, the temporary protection will apply immediately and last for one year.
According to the Commission, operational guidelines are being put in place to assist Member States’ border guards in efficiently managing arrivals at the border with Ukraine. These guidelines also recommend that the Member States set up special emergency support lanes to channel humanitarian aid.
Commenting on this proposal, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, pointed out that Europe will welcome all those Ukrainian affected by the war, adding that Europe will also stand by those who need protection.
According to the same, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, were pleased with how the EU and the Member States are providing immediate support to those coming from the war zone.
In addition, Non-Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons legally residing in Ukraine who cannot return to their country of origin or region will also be protected by the EU.
“Others who are legally present in Ukraine for a short-term and are able to return safely to their country of origins will fall outside the scope of this protection. Nevertheless, should be allowed access to the EU to transit prior to returning to their countries of origin,” the statement reads.
Moreover, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has claimed that it is ready to help any Member States deal with the situation at their borders.
Through a press release issued on February 28, Frontex noted that it could deploy its standing corps officers within days in response to possible requests for support from the Member States sharing a border with Ukraine.
Only a day later, the Slovak Republic has called on Frontex for support in dealing with the migration flow.
“From Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 6 am to Sunday, February 27, 2022, until 6 am, 25,935 people entered the territory of the Slovak Republic from Ukraine. Most people crossed the border crossings in Vyšné Nemecky (13,645) and Ubli (10,715),” the statement published by the Ministry reads.
In case the war in Ukraine continues, besides Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are also prepared for an influx of migrants