The European Commission has proposed extending the temporary protection granted to people who fled Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 by an additional year.
If approved, the temporary protection scheme would remain in force until March 4, 2028, providing continued legal certainty and stability for millions of Ukrainian nationals currently residing across the European Union, including Spain.
⏺️ Why is the extension being proposed?
According to the European Commission, the situation in Ukraine remains unstable, and the need to protect people displaced by the war continues to exist.
At the same time, the Commission emphasizes the importance of helping Member States prepare for an orderly transition for those who wish to remain in the European Union on a long-term basis or voluntarily return to Ukraine when circumstances allow.
⏺️ Changes for new arrivals
The proposal also introduces an important new element.
As a general rule, temporary protection would no longer apply to individuals leaving Ukraine without authorization from the Ukrainian authorities where such authorization is required due to military service obligations.
The aim is to balance the continued protection of displaced persons with Ukraine’s ability to defend itself during the ongoing conflict.
⏺️ Preparing for an orderly transition
The European Commission encourages Member States to develop long-term solutions for beneficiaries of temporary protection.
These include:
- Opportunities to transition to longer-term residence permits.
- Measures to support the integration of those who choose to remain in their host country.
- Voluntary return programs for those wishing to return to Ukraine when conditions permit.
As part of this strategy, the Commission will also launch a Voluntary Return and Recovery Pilot Programme, providing practical support in areas such as employment, housing, and education for individuals who decide to return.
⏺️ Next steps
At this stage, this is only a proposal by the European Commission.
The proposal must now be formally approved by the Council of the European Union before the extension of temporary protection until March 2028 can take effect.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can help
At ARC Legal Abogados, we advise Ukrainian nationals and beneficiaries of temporary protection on the different residence options available in Spain.
We assess each case individually to identify the most appropriate immigration solution, whether you intend to remain under temporary protection or transition to another residence status.
Related articles
- Spain publishes Instruction SEM 1/2026 on the transition from Humanitarian Residence permits
- Do you hold a Humanitarian Residence Permit in Spain? Important changes from June 12, 2026
- 4.35 Million people from Ukraine remain under Temporary Protection in the EU
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The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and international document regulations are subject to frequent legislative, administrative, and interpretative changes. While ARC LEGAL makes every effort to ensure that the information published is accurate and up to date, we recommend seeking professional legal advice before initiating any procedure or making decisions based on this content. If you require advice regarding your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact our team.