Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, has voiced his growing concerns over the EU’s consideration and discussions regarding the cessation of emergency protection for Ukrainian refugees. He emphasized that a fragmented and slow withdrawal of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) could leave vulnerable individuals without necessary safeguards. Since March 2022, this directive has allowed Ukrainians to live, work, and access healthcare across EU member states in response to Russia’s invasion. The directive has been extended until March 2027.
O’Flaherty highlighted the rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment in some countries, which is sometimes fueled by populist politics. He stressed the importance of maintaining robust national frameworks alongside a coordinated European approach to prevent Ukrainians from facing difficult choices. Highlighting the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, he insisted that any future decisions on protection measures should be based on the principle that international protection is only withdrawn when returning is safe, a condition not currently met in any Ukrainian region.
Data from the European Commission shows that 4.3 million Ukrainians were living in the EU under temporary protection as of March. O’Flaherty’s concerns come as some EU countries like Ireland, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands begin reducing financial support for refugees. In Ireland, for instance, the government plans to phase out state-contracted commercial accommodation for Ukrainians who arrived before March 2024. This change, affecting up to 16,000 individuals currently housed in state-funded accommodation, will start in August and proceed over six months.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan of Ireland confirmed that the government is contemplating options to assist Ukrainians wishing to return home, though details about potential repatriation payments are not yet finalized. Since March 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have applied for temporary protection in Ireland, with around 84,000 residing in the country as of last February. O’Flaherty urged EU member states to ensure no “protection gap” arises when the TPD expires in 2027, advocating for long-term solutions to help Ukrainians plan their futures amidst ongoing uncertainty.
The Council of Europe, which includes 46 member states and is headquartered in Strasbourg, was founded in 1949. It serves as the base for the European Court of Human Rights and oversees the European Convention on Human Rights. O’Flaherty’s statements reflect a pressing call for the EU to maintain a unified approach to refugee protection while navigating the complex landscape of international relations and human rights.