(14 March 2022 / updated 18 March 2022) – As two million people have already fled Ukraine, the European Union has activated for the first time in history the temporary protection mechanism, which was set up in the 1990s in the wake of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia to deal with mass influxes of displaced people.
The temporary protection mechanism allows Member States to open their doors to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. They will be given a residence permit that will allow them to work on their own or for someone else, access education, housing, social aid and medical assistance.
Temporary protection will be activated for an initial period of one year. This period may be extended automatically by six monthly periods for a maximum of one year.
In order to help people fleeing Ukraine, the European Commission has launched an official information website. There, refugees can find information about how and where to apply for permits, accommodation options, etc.