Brussels, 2 March 2022 (TDI): The European Commission is proposing to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. The Temporary Protection Directive’s purpose is to provide immediate and effective assistance to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Temporary Protection Directive suggests temporary protection to Ukrainian displaced people. In Temporary protection, people can enjoy residency permission, access to education, medical, social welfare assistance, and also the labor market.
Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, shows solidarity with Ukraine. She said that Europe stands by those in need of protection. She further said that Europe will protect those seeking shelter.
According to European Commission, more than 650,000 people have fled to neighboring EU member states since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Temporary Protection Directive
The Temporary Protection Directive was specifically designed to provide immediate protection to those in need when the asylum system does not cope with the situation of the displaced people. This can apply to non-European Union citizens and other people unable to return to their countries.
Under the proposal, Ukrainian displaced by the conflict will be protected by the European Union. Non-Ukrainian citizens and asylum seekers or beneficiaries of international protection and their family members will also be granted protection in the EU.
Others who are legally in Ukraine for a short period of time and can return safely to their homeland will be excluded from this protection. However, they must be allowed access to the European Union for transit before returning to their home countries.
To host Ukrainian displaced people, the rules are given in the proposal of The Temporary Protection Directive. These rules are to share responsibilities among member states regarding refugees. This will avoid the surcharge of national asylum systems and allow the Member States to manage arrivals in an orderly and effective way.
Operational Support
Member states can request further operational support from the European Union Asylum Agency and Europol. Operational support will provide to ensure smooth implementation of the decision.
At the same time, the European Commission gives Operational Guidelines to Member States regarding border management. The guidelines call on member states to establish special emergency relief routes for humanitarian aid.
