Temporary Protection Directive

On the occasion of the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Temporary Protection Directive in the EU, Caritas Bulgaria joins the call of Caritas Europe, IRC, DRC and PICUM for a collective solution extending the document until March 2027, which would offer a longer-lasting status and a path to long-term residence. Such an approach is vital to prevent people’s safety from being put at risk.

The reason for this position is the fact that the Directive will expire in March 2026, in just one year. Of the many challenges that people displaced from Ukraine face, uncertainty about their legal status in the EU is among the most pressing. This lack of clarity affects almost every aspect of life: from securing stable employment and arranging long-term housing to planning for their children’s education. They need predictability to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Meanwhile, some Member States – including Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy – have started to develop options to resolve the situation. Most of these options involve work-based residence permits. But there are concerns that many people covered by the Directive will not be able to meet the requirements.

A coordinated, single solution across the EU would benefit not only those displaced by Ukraine, but also the countries and communities in which they live – reducing the financial and administrative burdens associated with individually determining the status of the more than 4.3 million people currently benefiting from temporary protection.