GMI Legal Update: The European Commission announces intention to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens until March 2025

During the annual speech delivered to the European Parliament on September 13, 2023, the President of the European Commission announcee that the Commission would be requesting another extension of EU temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens – link to the text of the speech here.

Currently, temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens is approved until March 4, 2024. In accordance with EU regulations, it can be extended for a period of up to another year if the Council of the EU agrees to it by a qualified majority.

The extension of temporary protection at the EU level will probably also mean an amendment to the so-called Ukrainian special act in force in Poland and extension of the right of legal residence in Poland of Ukrainian citizens with the so-called UKR status. At the moment, however, there is no information about expected changes to the Special Act in Poland.