European solidarity with refugees and those fleeing war in Ukraine

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 8 March 2022, providing an overview of the support provided by the European Union (EU) to those fleeing Ukraine as a result of Russia's military invasion.

Further information:

Russia's decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022 was met with shock and condemnation by most international stakeholders. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians led to massive loss of life, and yet Ukrainian determination in defending their nation has been remarkable. The European Union (EU) engaged in efforts to respond to the aggression with packages of sanctions and other restrictive measures targetting Russia and its ally, the Belarusian regime.

The EU also set a number of actions to support Ukrainian people through direct humanitarian aid, emergency civil protection assistance, support at the border, as well as a clear legal status allowing those fleeing the war to receive immediate protection in the EU. Measures included:

• Humanitarian support, which included €500 million from the EU budget directed to deal with the humanitarian consequences of the war and the largest ever activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM);
• Operational guidelines aimed at supporting Member States' border guards in managing arrivals at the borders with Ukraine;
• Activation of the Temporary Protection Directive;
• Establishment of a Solidarity Platform where Member States can exchange information about reception capacity;
• Further funding to ensure adequate reception facilities and effective asylum procedures;
• Extension of implementation of Home Affairs funds from the MFF 2014-2020;
• Further flexibility and implementation of ESI Funds from the MFF 2014-2020.

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 08/03/2022: Ukraine: EU steps up solidarity with those fleeing war https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1610

European Commission: Priorities 2019-2024: EU Solidarity with Ukraine https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-solidarity-ukraine_en

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