Emergency Plan Grants Ukrainians the Right to Live, Work, and Access Services in the EU

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, nearly 875,000 people have already fled the country, marking what is set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis of the 21st century. The European Union has approved an emergency plan to grant Ukrainian refugees the right to live, work, and access essential services, such as healthcare, housing, and education, for up to three years.

The EU’s decision follows a law designed after the Balkan wars, which allows for rapid relocation of refugees. Under this new plan, refugees will initially have one year of temporary protection, with the possibility of a two-year extension if the conflict persists or safe return is not feasible. This swift action comes as over half of the displaced have sought refuge in Poland, while others have fled to neighboring countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.