Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, has raised alarms over the EU’s growing discussions about ending emergency protection for Ukrainian refugees. His concerns come amid increasing “fatigue” in Europe regarding the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), a measure extended until March 2027, which allows Ukrainians to live, work, and access healthcare in EU member states. O’Flaherty emphasized the risks of a “slow and fragmented phase-out” of these protections, warning that it could leave the most vulnerable refugees exposed.
The TPD was rapidly implemented in March 2022 following Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine. However, O’Flaherty’s statement highlights troubling trends, such as diminishing protection and assistance in certain countries and rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment fueled by populist politics. He stressed the importance of maintaining robust national frameworks and a coordinated European approach to prevent Ukrainians from facing “impossible choices.” He underscored that international protection should only be withdrawn when conditions for a safe and durable return are met, which is not currently the case in Ukraine due to ongoing Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
As of the end of March, 4.3 million Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection in the EU. However, starting in 2024, countries including Ireland, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands have begun to reduce financial support for these refugees, focusing instead on integrating them into the labor market. In Ireland, the government plans to phase out state-contracted commercial accommodation for Ukrainians arriving before March 2024, beginning in August and continuing over six months. Currently, up to 16,000 Ukrainians in Ireland reside in state-funded tourist or commercial accommodations.
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, mentioned that the government is considering a repatriation mechanism for Ukrainians, although no specific plans or payments have been announced yet. This proposal has not received full government approval. Since March 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have applied for temporary protection in Ireland, with approximately 84,000 still residing in the country as of February, according to data from the Central Statistics Office.
O’Flaherty urged EU member states to avoid a “protection gap” when the current TPD expires in March 2027. He highlighted the need for long-term solutions to allow Ukrainians to plan their futures, noting that the ongoing uncertainty exacerbates trauma for many. The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg and comprising 46 member states, plays a crucial role in overseeing human rights across the continent, including through the European Court of Human Rights.