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‘All those fleeing Putin's bombs are welcome in Europe’ - Commission proposes temporary protection for Ukraine 

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Today (2 March), the European Commission is proposing to activate the Temporary Protection Directive for the first time. The Directive is designed to offer quick and effective assistance to the people who have fled Ukraine to neighbouring EU states.

The Temporary Protection Directive was specifically conceived to give immediate protection to the persons who need it and aims to avoid overwhelming asylum systems. So far, it is estimated that 650,000 people have fled to safety. Temporary protection in the EU, means that refugees will be given a residence permit, and they will have access to education and to the labour market. 

At the same time, the Commission is also putting forward operational guidelines intended to help member states' border guards in managing arrivals at the borders with Ukraine efficiently, while maintaining a high level of security. The guidelines also recommend that member states set up special emergency support lanes to channel humanitarian aid.

“Europe stands by those in need of protection. All those fleeing Putin's bombs are welcome in Europe,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said. “We will provide protection to those seeking shelter and we will help those looking for a safe way home.”

“In a historically unprecedented move, the Commission is today proposing to grant immediate protection in the EU for those fleeing Ukraine,” Vice-President for Promoting out European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said. “All those fleeing the war will be provided with a secure status and access to schools, medical care and work. At the same time, we are working to facilitate efficient crossings at the borders for people and their pets, with the necessary security checks.” 

Non-Ukrainian nationals and stateless people legally residing in Ukraine who cannot return to their country or region of origin, such as asylum seekers or beneficiaries of international protection and their family members, will also be granted protection in 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.

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