COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Welcoming those fleeing war in Ukraine: Readying Europe to meet the needs
Date: 2022-03-23
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: EU migration policy, Russia, Ukraine, access to education, aid to refugees, child protection, emergency aid, health care, housing policy, integration of migrants, job access, war

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 23.3.2022  COM(2022) 131 final  COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Welcoming those fleeing war in Ukraine: Readying Europe to meet the needs        
 
 
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some three and a half million people, mainly women 
and children, have arrived in the European Union in the space of just four weeks. Both the 
scale  and  the  speed  of  arrivals  are  unprecedented.  While  the  EU  continues  tirelessly  to 
support  those  suffering  from  humanitarian  catastrophe  in  Ukraine,  this  Communication 
focuses on actions inside the EU to support those who are fleeing the country. 

The  EU’s  welcome  to  those  fleeing  their  homes  has  been  central  to  the  Member  States’ 
common response to the war1. Action at EU level mirrors the determination, compassion and 
solidarity shown by people across the EU, as well as the huge efforts made by national and 
local authorities, NGOs, community associations, and businesses.  

At the moment, the focus is rightly on meeting the immediate reception and protection needs 
of the arrivals. The EU is giving constant support to Member States in terms of assistance at 
the border, reception and civil protection. This Communication sets out a perspective on how 
the EU will continue to support their work over time.   

The  EU’s  welcome  is  epitomised  by  the  first-ever  activation  of  the  Temporary  Protection 
Directive2, to offer quick and effective assistance and a clear legal status. Ukrainian nationals 
and  their  family  members,  as  well  as  people  displaced  by  the  conflict  who  have  made 
Ukraine their home3, are now entitled to unprecedented protection across the EU, including 
access to accommodation, schools, health care, and jobs. This will continue to apply as more 
people  are  forced  to  leave  Ukraine.  The  challenge  is  now  to  give  life  to  those  rights  in 
practice. 

Those arriving have seen their families divided. Of particular concern are the large number of 
children  arriving  from  Ukraine,  with  the  UN  estimating  these  may  make  up  half  of  all 
arrivals. These children have been exposed to terrifying experiences, and will need particular 
protection, care and psychosocial support. Many are unaccompanied minors, or are arriving 
without parents. All need to feel safe and secure, start going to school to help regain a sense 
of stability and be protected from the potential risks of abuse and trafficking.  

Meeting  the  challenge  will  need  a  common  approach,  and  real  solidarity.  New  operational 
guidelines4  on  the  Temporary  Protection  Directive  will  help  those  arriving  to  enjoy  a 
consistent  and  effective  level  of  rights,  and  help  Member  States  to  shoulder  their  new 
responsibilities.  The  guidelines  will  be  regularly  updated  to  support  Member  States  in  the 
day-to-day challenges and new situations they are confronted with.  

A  Solidarity  Platform  is  now  up  and  running  to  coordinate  cooperation  between  Member 
States,  starting  with  transfers  from  Moldova,  which  is  under  extraordinary  pressure.  The 
Platform  will  coordinate  the  solidarity  offers  and  the  needs  identified,  including  reception 

1   Communication  on  European  solidarity  with  refugees  and  those  fleeing  war  in  Ukraine,  COM(2022)107, 

(8.3.2022) 

2   Council  Implementing  Decision  (EU)  2022/382  establishing  the  existence  of  a  mass  influx  of  displaced 

persons from Ukraine.  

3   In  addition  to  Ukrainian  nationals,  Council  Implementing  Decision  (EU)  2022/382  foresees  that  third 
country  nationals  or  stateless  persons  benefiting  from  international  protection  in  Ukraine  and  their  family 
members should be granted temporary protection if they resided in Ukraine before or on 24 February 2022. 
For third country nationals residing in Ukraine before or on 24 February with a permanent residence permit 
and  who  cannot  safely  return  to  their  country  of  origin,  Member  States  shall  apply  either  temporary 
protection  or  adequate  protection  under  their  national  law.  Member  States  may  also  grant  temporary 
protection to other third country nationals who were legally residing in Ukraine and are unable to return. 
4   Communication  on  Operational  guidelines  for  the  implementation  of  temporary  protection,  C(2022) 1806, 

(21.3.2022) 

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capacity5. It will ensure that facilities and services across the EU can be used to best effect, 
linking up all the tools and instruments at EU level to respond to the needs of Member States. 
In doing so, it will pay particular attention to the most vulnerable cases, in particular children. 
In its first week of operation, six Member States and Norway pledged to receive people who 
had fled Ukraine and were putting huge strain on  Moldova’s reception capacities. For swift 
implementation and results in the Solidarity Platform, active involvement of all stakeholders, 
Member States and agencies will be essential. Transparent and up-to-date data6 from Member 
States  will  be  key  to  effective  coordination  so  as  to  redirect  people  to  Member  States  with 
sufficient capacity.   

Given  the  scale  of  the  needs,  all  sectors  of  society  are  engaged  in  providing  access  to  the 
rights attached to temporary protection – accommodation, education, healthcare and access to 
jobs.  Local  and  regional  authorities,  businesses,  social  partners,  health,  social  and 
employment  services,  child  protection  services,  childcare  facilities  and  schools  all  have  a 
major  role  to  play,  alongside  civil  society,  migrant-led  organisations  and  diaspora 
communities.  This  commitment  will  be  backed  up  by  a  major  new  effort  at  EU  level, 
maximising  the  impact  of  available  funding  and  tapping  into  a  wide  variety  of  expert 
networks.  

Supporting  so  many  new  arrivals  in  Europe  fleeing  the  war  against  Ukraine  calls  for 
humanity  and  flexibility.  It  represents  a  major  challenge  for  effective  organisation  and 
coordination on the EU side, as well as with Ukrainian authorities and international partners. 
The EU is facing an unprecedented challenge, and it is through collective strength that it will 
respond to those who need our help, in line with our values and the European way of life.   

The Commission will: 

  Mobilise  key  networks  to  support  Member  States  through  the  Solidarity  Platform  in 

using resources and expertise across the EU to best effect; 

  Help Member States to use EU funds quickly and flexibly, so that tailor-made funding 
can  flow  rapidly  to  support the efforts of Member States, key organisations  and civil 
society to make the rights granted through temporary protection a reality; 

  Put  in  place  dedicated  structures  so  that  Member  States  of  both  first  entry  and  of 
destination,  and  other  key  service  providers,  can  deploy  the  best  available  tools  as 
quickly as possible.  

I 

OFFERING A SAFE HAVEN IN EUROPE    

Ukrainians  have  been  driven  to  leave  their  country  against  their  will  by  the  Russian 
aggression,  and  many  will  be  hoping  to  eventually  return  home.  It  remains  very  uncertain 
how soon this will be possible. Support must therefore be  immediate, but also factor in the 
possibility  of  a  prolonged  stay.  This  is  reflected  in  the  design  of  the  Temporary  Protection 
Directive,  which  provides  for  an  initial  protection  for  one  year  but  which  could  be 
automatically  renewed  twice  for  six  months  each  time.  Support  to  Member  States  will 
combine  support  in  handling  the  present  challenges  with  addressing  their  foreseeable 
requirements for the mid-term.     

5   This  work  draws  on  guidance  provided  by  Member  States  within  the  Integrated  Political  Crisis  Response 

mechanism (IPCR). 

6   Including data on flows and the number of people present on Member States’ territories, as well on available 

accommodation capacities 

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The  Action  Plan  on  Integration  and  Inclusion  2021-20277  provides  a  strong  framework  to 
guide  the  work  and  to  help  sustain  the  bonds  between  persons  displaced  from  Ukraine  and 
host  communities  we  see  today.  It  underlines  the  importance  of  including  a  wide  range  of 
stakeholders  –  including  the  new  arrivals  themselves,  and  diaspora  communities  –  in  the 
design of actions. This is critical to effective communication, empowerment and ownership. 
Also  important  is  coordination,  so  that  contributions  from  public  authorities,  philanthropic 
organisations and civil society work together to best effect, including where possible with the 
Ukrainian  authorities.  The  Commission  has  mobilised  the  Erasmus+,  European  Solidarity 
Corps and cultural communities to adapt their activities to support the arrivals. 

New  arrivals  and  their  host  communities  should  receive  targeted  assistance  as  early  as 
possible.  This  reflects  the  massive  support  already  needed  and  being  provided,  in  the  first 
instance by Ukraine’s immediate neighbours Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. This 
will  quickly  switch  to  an  emphasis  on  helping  displaced  persons  to  settle.  The  best  way  to 
reduce reliance on external support, and enhance interaction with host communities, is to help 
the  arrivals  to  achieve  a  degree  of  financial  autonomy  –  most  obviously  by  finding 
employment in line with their skills and qualifications – and to ensure their access to housing, 
education,  healthcare,  and  other  social  services.  Where  possible,  the  Ukrainian  authorities 
may also still be able to provide records and information which will help the Member States 
to  target  support  more  effectively,  and  every  effort  will  be  made  to  help  those  who  are 
without documents.  

One  key  factor  to  help  new  people  arriving  will  be  information  about  the  rights  provided.  
Information handed out at the border has already been very valuable.  A ‘Support for people 
fleeing Ukraine’ webpage8 has been launched to help them understand their rights in the EU. 
The  website  contains  information  about  crossing  the  border,  rights  on  arrival  and  onward 
travel.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  work  with  EU  agencies,  Member  States,  UN 
agencies, and other partners to ensure that people have the information they need, as well as 
to counter pro-Russian disinformation designed to spread doubt and uncertainty.   

Accurate  data  will  also  be  key  to  drive  the  EU  response  –  including  data  on  the  needs, 
particular vulnerabilities and health status, family connections, age groups, and skills of those 
arriving,  as  well  as  their  chosen  destinations  in  Europe.  It  will  be  essential  that  Member 
States share accurate, comparable and up-to-date data to allow solidarity in all areas to work 
effectively.  The  EU  Migration  Preparedness  and  Crisis  Management  Network  is  already 
sharing valuable data, and will focus on specific issues such as numbers of unaccompanied 
minors,  persons  with  disabilities  or  reception  capacity  suitable  for  families.  The  Solidarity 
Platform and other key networks are already up and running to match capacity to needs and 
to work on issues such as identifying where there are skills gaps that the new arrivals can fill. 
Further ways of collecting data on population movements will also be explored. 

Part  of  helping  those  arriving  from  Ukraine  find  their  feet  in  the  EU  will  be  support  in 
overcoming cultural and language barriers. This is true for both adults and children. The 
EU  can  help  with  initiatives  such  as  support  for  welcome  centres,  websites  with  practical 
guidance  to  link  in  with  the  local  community  and  public  services,  adding  the  Ukrainian 
language to tools to help job seekers, and publicising existing Ukrainian-language e-learning 
websites. Ukrainian has just been added as one of the languages of the e-Translation tool of 
the  European  Commission  and  is  available  to  national  public  authorities  to  support  their 

7   COM(2020) 758 final, (24.11.2020) 
8   Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine | European Commission (europa.eu) 

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work9. Integration funding allows language learning to be immediately available to all ages. 
Cultural  mediators  and  interpreters,  including  from  the  diaspora  and  from  arrivals 
themselves, can also help with inter-cultural integration.  

Part  of  assimilation  into  normal  life  for  those  arriving  from  Ukraine  is  access  to  bank 
accounts in the EU, so that people can receive social support payments or salaries or make 
payments. The beneficiaries of temporary protection have the right to a basic bank account10. 
The Commission is in contact with  the banking industry to ensure implementation, and this 
will  be  part  of  information  campaigns.  The  guidance  on  implementing  the  Temporary 
Protection  Directive  also  recommends  that  Member  States  facilitate  the  opening  of  a  bank 
account even before a residence permit is issued. 

The EU intends not only to welcome those fleeing war but to ensure their safety in Europe. 
The  overwhelming  majority  of  those  who  have  been  able  to  cross  into  the  EU  are  women, 
children and elderly people, with  around half the arrivals being children.  It  is  essential that 
none of these people find themselves exposed to fresh dangers in their new situation. NGOs 
and others working in border regions have underlined the risk that  people could fall prey to 
false offers of accommodation or transport, and find themselves in  the hands of traffickers. 
Children, unaccompanied minors and orphans are at a particularly high risk and registration 
at first entry is key to ensuring the best interests of the child can be respected at  all stages. 
Each child should be traceable from the moment they leave Ukraine to the moment of arrival 
in  their country of destination.  Europol  reports that traffickers are targeting unaccompanied 
minors on the border, and alerted Member States to report all suspicious cases. National laws 
and procedures for vetting and monitoring procedures for foster families and other hosts need 
to  be  fully  respected,  in  line  with  the  best  interests  of  the  child.  The  network  of  National 
Rapporteurs  on  Trafficking  in  Human  Beings  is  fully  engaged  to  support  effective 
registration  of  entities  and  persons  providing  accommodation  and  transport.    Women  and 
girls fleeing armed conflict are exposed to particular risks, and targeted measures are needed 
for their protection11.   

Full respect for fundamental rights must be a touchstone for the EU response, no matter what 
the nationality or ethnicity of those arriving. All EU measures will pay particular attention to 
non-discrimination  and  the  specific  vulnerabilities  of  particular  groups  at  greater  risk  of 
discrimination, including Roma and other minorities, and the LGBTIQ community, from 
first arrival to reception and integration. 

2. 

SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN  

With children representing half of those who have left Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion, the 
EU is determined to give priority to ensuring that these children are well looked after. This 
will  require  a  particular  effort  –  starting  from  the  first  moment  of  identification  and 
registration.  All public services, as well as civil society, will need to be geared up to respond 
and to ensure that their rights and their best interests are protected. EU funding is available to 
support social inclusion, foster care and psychosocial counselling, as well as for education.  

9   Machine translation for public administrations — eTranslation (europa.eu) 
10   See Payment Accounts Directive 2014/92/EU. 
11   See the Commission proposal for a Directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence, 

COM (2022)105, (8.3.2022) 

4 

 
 
 
                                                           
Every  child  fleeing  Ukraine  has  suffered  the  trauma  of  war  and  its  consequences.  Children 
must  be  guaranteed  swift  access  to  their  rights,  without  discrimination,  including  the 
necessary psychosocial  support, healthcare and education (see below).12 Children should be 
provided  with  information  about  their  situation  tailored  to  their  age,  by  staff  trained  for 
working  in  child  protection.  Particular  attention  and  support  is  required  for  those  who  are 
orphaned, unaccompanied or separated from their families, and particular provision for those 
with special needs or disabilities.   

Member States’ national offices for children and child protection services have a key role to 
ensure the appropriate support to and protection of all children arriving from Ukraine. Youth 
organisations  and  youth  workers  can  also  play  a  key  role  in  providing  concrete  help  and 
psychological  support  to  children  arriving  from  Ukraine13.  Cultural  and  sport  activities  can 
also  be  important  in  dealing  with  psychological  trauma  and  foster  integration.  Well-
coordinated and clear lines of responsibility and contact points are of particular importance. 

The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child provides a comprehensive framework of actions 
to ensure that the needs  of children are fully taken into account. Under the European Child 
Guarantee14,  national  Coordinators  are  now  appointed  and  this  month  has  seen  the 
presentation of national  action plans, with children with a migrant background a key focus, 
even  before  the  Russian  invasion  of  Ukraine.  They  will  now  have  a  particular  role 
galvanising  and  coordinating  the  effort  at  a  national  level  and  with  regional  and  local 
authorities, as well as exchanging best practice on an EU level. In addition, an EU Network 
for Children’s Rights, bringing together national representatives, international organisations, 
NGOs, ombudspersons and children themselves, will be launched on 31 March.  

The challenge of dealing with huge numbers of arrivals must not prevent all unaccompanied 
children  from  being  registered.  They  should  receive  full  and  safe  support  and  a 
representative  of  child  protection  services  should  be  present  as  quickly  as  possible.  In  the 
case  of  separated  children,  (those  arriving  with  adults  other  than  their  usual  caregiver) 
national authorities should check the relevant documents to confirm the identity of the child, 
and  the  consent  of  the  parents.  Family  tracing  programmes  should  seek  to  reunite 
unaccompanied  minors  with  family  members  in  other  parts  of  the  EU.  This  may  take  time 
and  calls  for  extra  caution  in  determining  long-term  solutions  for  these  children.    The 
Commission will work with international organisations and Member States to reunite families 
scattered by the war.  

Given their vulnerability and specific needs,  children from institutions in Ukraine such as 
orphanages or other shelters, particularly those with disabilities, require immediate referral to 
child protection authorities. The best interests of the child will often point to temporary foster 
or other community based care, with necessary safeguards in place.  

Member States are encouraged to be particularly vigilant about children at risk of trafficking 
or  abduction.  The  EU-wide  Child  Helpline  116000  for  missing  children  should  be  widely 
advertised. The renewed Schengen Information System entering into operation in the coming 

12   Communication  on  Operational  guidelines  for  the  implementation  of  temporary  protection,  C(2022) 1806, 

(21.3.2022) 

13   Stakeholders  and  national  coordinators  of  the  European  Year  of  Youth  are  also  encouraged  to  reshape 

activities at national level to mobilise young people to offer support and show solidarity. 

14   COM  (2021)  142,  24.3.2021.  See  also  Commission  Communication  on  the  Protection  of  Children,  COM 
(2017) 211, 12.4.2017. In line with the European Child Guarantee, Member States ensure access to free early 
childhood education and care, education, free healthcare, healthy nutrition, and adequate housing to children 
in need. Children with migrant backgrounds are one of the key target groups.  

5 

 
 
                                                           
months  will  offer  the  possibility  to  enter  alerts  not  only  about  children  who  have  gone 
missing, but also ‘preventive’ alerts.  This should be used in full.  

In  addition  to  general  guidelines  on  transfers  of  beneficiaries  of  temporary  protection,  the 
Commission  is  preparing  dedicated  Standard  Operating  Procedures  for  transfers  of 
unaccompanied  minors.  These  are  being  developed  with  Member  States  and  EU  and  UN 
agencies, to ensure children’s best interests come first. They will be shared with all relevant 
authorities to ensure a framework is ready so that all unaccompanied and separated children’s 
cases,  no  matter  how  urgent,  are  handled  with  the  necessary  safeguards.  The  Solidarity 
Platform will prioritise safe transfers of unaccompanied minors (see below). 

3. 

ACCESS TO EDUCATION   

With such a large share of children amongst those fleeing Ukraine, education systems face a 
huge logistical challenge and also a major social responsibility. Children’s swift return to 
early childhood education or schooling will be a major factor in the return to stability, helping 
to  alleviate psychological  stress.  An overwhelming  majority  can be expected to  come  from 
separated  families,  with  many  unaccompanied.  Schools,  vocational  education  and  training 
institutions, and early childhood education facilities can help connect displaced children and 
young  people  with  social  and  health  services,  including  psychosocial  support,  and  create  a 
sense  of  community.  The  numbers  of  children  with  a  right  to  schooling  is  in  the  millions, 
demanding major increases in both infrastructure and staff. This will require a Team Europe 
approach,  with  EU  funds  supporting  Member  States  at  national  and  local  levels  and 
capitalising on existing support. 

Children  are  likely  to  be  present  in  greater  numbers  in  some  regions  than  in  others.  At  the 
start, they will be predominantly in the countries bordering Ukraine and these Member States 
need  immediate  help,  but  soon  other  destinations  in  Europe  may  host  bigger  groups  of 
children and will need targeted support. The immediate priority is to offer these children a 
place  where  they  feel  secure  and  can  access  education,  followed  by  addressing  language 
barriers  and  psychological  trauma.  Different  local  situations  will  call  for  different 
combinations  of  direct  integration  into  the  local  education  system  and  temporary  reception 
classes to first prepare for integration into the mainstream education system. It is important to 
reach  out  to  families  upon  arrival  and  provide  parents  and  guardians  with  all  necessary 
information15.  Many  children  will  have  been  out  of  formal  education  for  a  while,  and  will 
need particular help to catch up. Others will have special needs. Non-formal education hubs 
can play an important role for children in this situation. Access to  extra-curricular activities 
such  as  sport  and  cultural  activities  is  also  important,  alongside  psychosocial  care  and 
language  classes.  Additional  support  including  recruitment  of  Ukrainian-speaking  teachers 
would help integration and bridge language barriers. 

Member States are looking at what flexibility is needed and how to quickly adapt legal and 
administrative rules to ensure access to school systems and to mobilise additional teachers – 
including  by  recognising  educational  qualifications  acquired  in  Ukraine.  This  will  also 
include  looking  at  possible  financial  barriers  to  education.  Work  also  needs  to  start  now  to 
prepare  for  a  smooth  start  of  the  next  school  term,  looking  at  capacity,  preparing  teachers, 

15   The  EU  Academy  e-learning  platform  will  provide  educational  support  including  for  the  integration  of 
refugee children, their adult family members and carers. It can also host education-specific media channels 
(for podcasts and live and recorded video talks). 

6 

 
 
 
                                                           
and  identifying  responses  for  the  needs  of  specific  groups,  as  well  as  addressing  language 
training or translation needs. These elements will be essential to  ensure an inclusive school 
environment.  EU  Cohesion  Policy  funds  can  help  to  finance  a  broad  range  of  activities  to 
support  integration  into  education.  This  includes  language  courses.  Erasmus+  can  support 
staff  to  work  temporarily  where  there  are  concentrations  of  displaced  persons  and  the 
Commission  will  support  efforts  to  find  suitable  staff  and  expertise  through  Erasmus+ 
National  Agencies16.  Where  institutions  are  already  participating  in  Erasmus+  cooperation 
projects,  these  can  be  adapted  to  new  needs,  also  working  closely  with  Cohesion  Policy 
funds. The Commission will bring together Member States to foster the sharing of experience 
and identification of what is needed to continue displaced children’s education. It will support 
Member  States  by  pooling  the  expertise  available  across  Europe  on  effective  integration  of 
displaced children into national education systems, including via reception classes and digital 
education,  as  well  as  higher  education.    The  Commission  will  organise  peer  learning  and 
bring together policy guidance on the integration of children and teenagers into schooling or 
further training or study. 

While it will be a priority to help children learn the language of their host country in order to 
enter  mainstream  schooling,  they  will  also  need  to  continue  building  skills  in  their  mother 
tongue, and at least for a transitional period, will require  school  materials in Ukrainian.  In 
cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities, the EU Publications Office stands ready to print 
schoolbooks  in  Ukrainian  for  pupils  who  are  currently  in  the  EU.  Learning  material  and 
language  courses,  for  which  the  Commission  can  obtain  the  rights,  can  also  be  published 
electronically  on  the  School  Education  Gateway,  a  public  platform  providing  free 
information  and  professional  development  material  to  teachers  and  other  education 
stakeholders. The Gateway will serve as a one-stop shop to link to educational material from 
Ukraine  and  Member  States’  material  in  Ukrainian  language.  A  further  initiative  will  work 
with EU-based education technology providers, based on work developed by the Ukrainian 
government,  Member  States  and  other  recognised  sources,  to  provide  targeted  digital 
education content on scalable local platforms. This will also rely on access to equipment for 
children to use digital education offers: donations of unused, refurbished and new devices by 
citizens, companies and public institutions could be organised to this end. Telecentres, local 
hubs where people can go to improve their digital skills, can also help by providing access to 
online education and learning. 

It will be essential to draw on the capacities of Ukrainian teachers among the new arrivals in 
Europe. The eTwinning community can help through groups created in the secure space of 
the  platform  to  support  teachers  facing  the  challenge  of  integrating  new  arrivals  and 
addressing  the  war  context  in  the  classroom.  As  well  as  the  Ukrainian  teachers  already 
involved in eTwinning, any teacher who has left the country and has established links with a 
school can take part.    

In  addition  to  support  for  primary  and  secondary  education,  higher  education  institutions 
are  already  looking  at  how  to  welcome  and  integrate  students  and  academic  staff  fleeing 
Ukraine  into  their  campuses.  Flexibility  is  needed  to  facilitate  access  to  courses  and  offer 
opportunities  to  students  who  benefit  from  temporary  protection  and  need  to  continue  their 
education. This will need swift consideration of how to recognise and take account of higher 
education  credits  and  qualifications  achieved  in  Ukraine17.  Flexibility  in  the  Erasmus+ 

16   The adult education platform EPALE (Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) can also be drawn 

upon. 

17   This will be supported by the network of National Academic Recognition Information Centres 

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funding  programme  and  synergies  with  Cohesion  Policy  funds  will  be  used  to  support  the 
education of students and the integration of staff of higher education institutions who are also 
fleeing the war. Erasmus+ will also promote peer learning between Member States for higher 
education institutions and staff.  

4. 

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE  

Many of those fleeing the war against Ukraine are arriving in Europe in a vulnerable state of 
health.  Many  have  faced  real  hardship  en  route  or  may  even  be  wounded.  Some  have  pre-
existing conditions in need of continuous treatment, or may be pregnant. Many may find their 
mental  health  challenged  by  their  recent  experiences.  Children  have  particular  needs  and 
psychosocial  care,  nutrition,  and  care  for  special  needs  or  disabilities  should  be  particular 
priorities.  

The Temporary  Protection Directive underlines the rights  of those under  its scope to  social 
and medical care, including mental health care. The Commission recommends that Member 
States provide broad access  to  sickness  benefits  and affiliate them to  the public health care 
system of the host Member State. This will also call for clear information for arrivals on the 
procedure  and  conditions  for  access  to  healthcare.  Some  existing  EU  integration  initiatives 
already include a strong health component18. At the same time, the Commission will explore 
how 
including  mental  health 
professionals, can be recognised so that they can play their role in meeting new needs.  

the  qualifications  of  Ukrainian  healthcare  workers, 

The immediate priority is to treat those in urgent need of specialised hospital treatment and 
care, whether emergency care or treatment for chronic diseases. The Commission has set up a 
solidarity mechanism19 for intra EU medical transfers from the Member States bordering 
Ukraine, where healthcare systems are under particular pressure. 10 000 places have already 
been  made  available  by  Member  States,  including  places  for  cancer  and  burns  patients,  as 
well as paediatric wards, and beds for new-borns and their mothers. Vaccines, medicines and 
medical equipment including ambulances have also been delivered to Member States under 
pressure. 

The  Commission  invites  Member  States  to  make  full  use  of  the  new  Standard  Operating 
Procedures  for  medical  transfers  using  the  Early  Warning  Response  System  under  the 
mechanism.  These  allow  Member  States  to  request  support  for  the  effective  and  secure 
transfer  of  the  patients’  health  records,  and  outline  the  key  components  to  be  addressed  – 
such as the condition, the need for treatment, and the family situation. Medical supplies are a 
key part of the work of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to support Member 
States. While the receiving Member State covers the cost of treatment and care of incoming 
patients,  medical  evacuations  and  delivery  of  medical  supplies  can  be  supported  and  co-
financed  by  the  UCPM.  This  has  helped  Member  States  to  donate  medicines,  routine 
vaccinations  and  equipment  to  help  with  urgent  medical  needs.  To  help  speed  up  medical 
transfers of patients,  the Commission, in  close coordination with  Member  States and WHO 
Europe,  is  ready  to  support  the  set-up  of  triage  hubs  in  most  affected  Member  States  for 
patients  directly at  the border to  make a first  diagnosis, determine the urgency and identify 

18   Such as the Urban Agenda Inclusion Partnership. 
19   https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/news/ukraine-commission-sets-european-solidarity-

mechanism-intra-eu-medical-transfers-refugees-and-2022-03-08_en 

8 

 
 
 
                                                           
hospitals  for  referral.  The  UCPM  can  also  help  Member  States  to  deploying  medical 
personnel on the ground. 

The  European  Centre  for  Disease  Prevention  and  Control  (ECDC)  is  monitoring  the  health 
situation  on  a  permanent  basis,  including  the  risk  from  infectious  disease  due  to  the 
humanitarian  situation.  It  provides  practical  public  health  guidance  and  field  support  for 
countries that experience a large influx of displaced persons.  This relies on Member States 
putting strong surveillance systems in place,20 as well as on requesting the necessary support 
on the ground to help address disease outbreaks and increase vaccination. The ECDC has also 
issued  guidelines  on  the  prevention  and  control  of  infectious  diseases21,  to  increase 
awareness  among  community  healthcare  providers  of  the  need  to  ensure  access  to  services 
and continuity of vaccination programmes, and to mental and psychosocial health support.   

Vaccination  coverage  in  Ukraine  is  low  compared  to  the  EU,  particularly  for  tuberculosis, 
polio,  measles  and  COVID-19.  Standard  child  vaccination  should  be  considered  a  priority 
and dedicated vaccination campaigns would help national healthcare professionals to roll this 
out.  At  this  stage,  many  people  are  staying  in  reception  centres  or  other  shared 
accommodation and may be particularly vulnerable to risks of infection. The Commission’s 
Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority is supporting the procurement and 
supply of vaccines, taking into account that childhood vaccinations require several doses for 
full  protection,  spaced  out  over  several  months.  Key  to  the  rollout  of  vaccines  is  to  make 
them  easily  accessible  to  all  those  arriving  from  Ukraine,  which  calls  for  good 
communication  and  planning  in  all  areas  where  people  are  staying  more  permanently.  The 
situation will increase the EU’s overall needs for medicines and the EU and Member States 
will  work  together  to  monitor  and  address  supply  issues.  This  can  be  extended  to  procure 
further vaccines and medicines should Member States express such a need.   

Easy, quick and free of charge access to COVID-19 vaccination for those who have not yet 
completed  their  first  course  of  vaccination  or  their  booster  dose  is  crucial.  It  is  especially 
important to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable. The stocks of COVID-19 vaccines in 
the  EU  are  sufficient  to  cover  the  needs  of  those  arriving  from  Ukraine.  The  Commission 
recommends that Member States provide free COVID-19 testing during the arrival process.  

The Commission will strengthen targeted actions on mental health and trauma support for 
those fleeing the war, working with NGOs and civil society. This will include  supporting an 
increase of capacity deployed on the ground to provide mental health crisis support, and the 
setting  up  of  a  network  of  Ukrainian  speaking  mental  health  professionals  in  the  EU22.  An 
initiative under the EU4Health programme will collect and implement best practice on mental 
health and wellbeing, with special attention to the traumas they have experienced.   

The  EU  Health  Policy  Platform23  has  set  up  a  dedicated  network  to  share  information  and 
coordinate new initiatives on public health concerns.  

5. 

ACCESS TO JOBS  

20   This can also apply to the environmental surveillance of waste water to identify the presence of viruses. 
21   Operational public health considerations for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in the context 

of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine (europa.eu) 

22   The  Commission  will  also  work  with  the  pilot  of  the  Minimum  Service  Package  for  mental  health  and 

psychosocial developed by WHO, UNICEF and other UN Agencies. 

23   A specific network “Supporting Ukraine, EU neighbouring Member States and Moldova” is now in place. 

9 

 
 
 
                                                           
The right to access the labour market is a key aspect of the rights offered to those enjoying 
EU  temporary  protection.  In  order  to  prevent  potential  tensions,  the  real  mutual  benefits  of 
participation of those fleeing the war in  Ukraine,  in the labour market needs to be  properly 
explained and communicated. Early employment can have a great impact on the lives of the 
newly arrived, allowing them to be economically independent and to integrate into the local 
community,  while  at  the  same  time  reducing  the  economic  burden  in  the  hosting 
communities.  The importance of the offer of access to the labour market was underlined in a 
joint  declaration  by  the  Ministers  of  Social  Affairs  of  Czech  Republic,  Estonia,  Latvia, 
Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia, some of the countries hosting the greatest numbers 
of new arrivals. In their declaration24, they also underline the need for EU support.  

The Temporary Protection Directive stipulates that those with temporary protection should be 
able to engage in employed or self-employed activities, as well as vocational training. The 
Commission invites Member States to take national measures to implement these provisions 
as  a  matter  of  urgency,  in  close  cooperation  with  social  partners.  Informing  the  people 
concerned  about  their  rights  is  key,  so  that  those  arriving  can  start  working  as  soon  as 
possible.  

They  should  also  be  able  to  rely  on  equal  treatment  in  terms  of  pay  and  other  working 
conditions. The Commission recommends that Member States interpret the rights granted by 
the Temporary Protection Directive to access the EU labour market in the broadest possible 
way,  applying  exceptions  to  free  movement  in  the  internal  market  only  in  duly  justified 
circumstances For beneficiaries of EU temporary protection, access to the EU labour market 
is  a  right.  The  Commission  also  encourages  granting  such  access  to  beneficiaries  of 
protection  under  national  law.  This  would  facilitate  financial  autonomy  and  a  smoother 
integration process for all those benefitting from some form of protection in the EU.  

Helping new arrivals to acquire the necessary skills to enter the EU job market is a key task 
of  EU  Cohesion  Policy  funding  and  the  new  Cohesion’s  Action  for  Refugees  in  Europe 
programme  (CARE),  as  well  as  the  Asylum,  Migration  and  Integration  Fund.  This  could 
include  help  to  prepare  for  employment  or  entrepreneurship,  through  language  courses, 
counselling, basic training, or business support, with Member States having the flexibility to 
tailor the support to their needs.  Language and basic digital skills can also be built up using 
networks  under  the  Pact  for  Skills  to  connect  regional  and  city  authorities,  education 
organisations,  and  NGOs  involved  in  supporting  people  who  have  fled  Ukraine.    The 
Commission  has  added  the  Ukrainian  language  to  the  EU  Skills  Profile  Tool  for  third 
country nationals, to help Ukrainian job seekers and those who wish to continue their studies.  

Given  the  large  number  of  women  among  those  fleeing  war  against  Ukraine,  who  are 
effectively  single  parents  in  the  EU,  access  to  childcare  and  pre-school  education  will  be 
essential  to  enable  their  participation  in  the  job  market.  CARE  funds  can  support  both 
services and infrastructure in this area. 

Employers and training institutions need to be able to understand the skills of those arriving 
from Ukraine. The Commission is developing new guidelines to facilitate the recognition of 
professional qualifications obtained in Ukraine, and work will continue with the European 
Training  Foundation  to  compare  European  Qualifications  Framework  and  the  Ukrainian 
national qualifications framework.   In addition, the Commission is exploring the potential of 
European Digital Credentials for Learning to reissue diplomas in digital format for those who 

24   https://www.lm.gov.lv/en/article/joint-statement-ministers-social-affairs-czech-republic-baltic-states-poland-

romania-and-slovakia   

10 

 
 
                                                           
do  not  have  the  necessary  documents,  having  fled  the  war.    The  European  Training 
Foundation is setting up a resource site to help both Ukrainians seeking assistance in having 
their qualifications recognised, and others who need help in interpreting them.  

Among the rights offered under the Temporary Protection Directive is the right to educational 
opportunities for adults, and vocational training. Support for those arriving from Ukraine in 
re-skilling  can  also  help  to  meet  EU  labour  market  needs  and  skills  gaps.  The  European 
Labour  Authority  has  identified25  28  occupations,  making  up  14%  of  EU  jobs,  which  are 
facing shortages. Cedefop, the EU agency for vocational education and training, is analysing 
millions of job vacancies across Europe to examine what skills are needed and where.  Public 
Employment Services will play a key role in active labour market policies to make use of the 
skills of the new arrivals, and act as matchmakers on the labour market. The Commission has 
asked all Public Employment Services to collect information on measures in place, and will 
follow  up  with  dedicated  guidance  on  the  integration  of  workers  from  Ukraine  in  the  jobs 
market, including in rural areas.  A specific support scheme – drawing in the first phase on 
tools available under Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs – could also support Ukrainian start-
ups.    The  Enterprise  Europe  Network  can  provide  support  to  new  entrepreneurs  launching 
businesses.  

In parallel to mapping the existing skills of new arrivals from Ukraine and helping to connect 
them with employment services, available jobs and employers, the Commission will launch 
an EU Talent Pool pilot initiative. This web-based tool will allow candidates to present their 
skills and availability to work.  The pilot will take into account ongoing successful initiatives 
in Member States such as in Portugal and Romania. It will be developed in cooperation with 
Member States,  with  outreach to  social  partners  and all relevant stakeholders,  to  be up  and 
running by the summer. The platform could provide particular help to priority sectors, such as 
helping  to  identify  teachers  for  displaced  children  or  to  give  language  courses,  as  well  as 
interpreters and care professionals to support key services for new arrivals.  

The Commission will work with social partners to inform beneficiaries of protection and the 
private  sector  about  the  rights  under  temporary  protection  and  the  programmes  set  up  to 
match job  offers and skills  profiles. Other key multipliers include the European  Integration 
Network  and  the  European  Partnership  for  Integration.  The  Commission  will  reinforce  the 
Partnership and cover integration into the labour market of people fleeing from Ukraine. All 
these  networks  could  help  to  develop  mentorship  programmes  alongside  civil  society, 
building on existing cooperation with the Ukrainian diaspora.    

6. 

ACCESS TO ACCOMODATION AND HOUSING  

Those fleeing Ukraine have needed immediate shelter. Many amongst the first arrivals went 
directly  to  the  homes  of  family  and  friends.  Increasingly,  however,  arrivals  are  fleeing 
without the comfort of knowing their destination. The Temporary Protection Directive offers 
the right to suitable accommodation, responding to the particular needs of those arriving, or 
the  means  to  obtain  housing.  This  is  also  part  of  the  work  of  the  Solidarity  Platform: 
accommodation and housing will be a key determinant of how Member States can help share 
the effort of welcoming people. 

To meet the immediate needs of those arriving, thousands of private individuals are already 
providing housing and assistance, supplementing Member States’ official reception capacity. 

25   Report on Labour Shortages and Surpluses, European Labour Authority, November 2021 

11 

 
 
 
                                                           
This generosity demonstrates the solidarity and unified sense of purpose Europe has shown in 
facing this unprecedented situation. A new  “safe homes”  initiative  will support Europeans 
who  are  making  their  homes  available  by  embracing  the  initiatives  already  taken  by  some 
Member States,  regional and local  actors, maximising the use of existing EU funds for this 
purpose, and mobilising targeted funding and online resources as the needs arise. It will also 
support  new,  innovative  partnerships  at  local  national  and  EU  level,  and  tap  into  the 
experience of community sponsorship programmes.  

The  Asylum,  Migration  and  Integration  Fund,  as  well  as  Cohesion  Policy  funds,  will  be 
mobilised  to  strengthen  public  reception  systems.    Member  States  that  need  to  ramp  up 
reception capacity to provide shelter, supplies and services can make use of the rules foreseen 
for urgent public procurement, as was the case during the migration crisis of 2015-16. 

Member  States  are  encouraged  to  coordinate,  via  the  Solidarity  Platform,  on  facilitating 
onward  movement  of  people  fleeing  the  war  against  Ukraine,  by  setting  up  transport 
connections between their main points of arrival, transit and destination. This should take into 
account  reception  capacities  in  Member  States.  This  coordination  should  ensure  more 
dignified travel for people to their chosen destination, a better sharing of effort across Europe 
and  more  predictability  about  numbers  of  arrivals  for  Member  States  of  destination  and 
transit. 

However,  more  permanent  housing  solutions  may  quickly  be  required  and  need  to  be 
factored into Member States’ broader housing policies, taking account  of  the needs of both 
the  new  arrivals  and  of  host  communities  where  housing  is  already  under  pressure.  The 
European  Regional  Development  Fund  helps  to  provide  social  housing  for  families  and 
individuals in the community, and the Fund can cover both the purchase and refurbishment of 
accommodation.  In addition, basic rent for accommodation could be foreseen. The European 
Social Fund can support community-based services and accommodation, especially for those 
with special needs, disabilities, children and older people. 

7. 

SOLIDARITY IN ACTION 

The arrival in the EU of so many fleeing war with unprecedented speed is a challenge that is 
being met by the Union as a whole, building on  the extraordinary efforts shown in the first 
place in Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia. Public authorities, civil society and private 
individuals are showing enormous commitment to help those in need. 

The  EU  will  ensure  that  Member  States  receive  the  support  they  need.  The  Commission, 
through  the  Emergency  Response  Coordination  Centre,  has  worked  24/7  to  mobilise 
assistance  and  EU  agencies  are  stepping  up  their  deployment  in  line  with  Member  States’ 
requests. Frontex is currently deploying a total of more than 250 staff and this will continue 
to  rise. The EU Asylum Agency is  responding to  Member States’ requests for support, and 
Europol is increasing its involvement.    

The  Solidarity  Platform,  bringing  together  Member  States,  the  Commission  and  EU 
agencies,  is  collecting  and  examining  needs  identified  by  Member  States,  and  coordinating 
the  operational  follow-up.    Through  a  regular  exchange  of  information,  the  Platform  will 
provide  a  comprehensive  overview  of  reception  capacities  in  Member  States.  It  will  match 
the  offers  of  those  who  can  provide  help  to  those  who  need  support,  as  well  as  help  to 
organise  the  transfers  from  Member  States  under  most  pressure  to  those  with  suitable 
reception  capacity.  It  will  work  closely  with  the  Council’s  Integrated  Political  Crisis 
Response and the EU Migration Preparedness and Crisis Management Blueprint Network to 

12 

 
 
 
map  needs,  resources,  and  action.  It  is  paying  particular  attention  to  the  needs  of  the  most 
vulnerable, in particular children. 

The  private  sector  is  also  playing  its  part.  The  Commission  is  looking  at  how  in-kind 
donations  from  private  companies  could  be  added  to  the  common  effort.  Many  transport 
operators  have  spontaneously  offered  support  in  carrying  those  fleeing,  by  organising 
humanitarian trains and providing free tickets, as well as in transporting humanitarian aid to 
Ukraine.  The  Commission  will  coordinate  with  private  sector  operators  to  facilitate  and 
expand these efforts26. As part of its operational guidelines, the Commission recommends that 
Member  States  do  not  impose  financial  penalties  on  carriers  transporting  persons  enjoying 
temporary protection without valid documents for travel.  

In addition, the arrival of millions of people fleeing war against Ukraine is not a matter for 
the EU alone. Partners worldwide have condemned Russia’s aggression and may wish to play 
their part in helping those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The Solidarity Platform 
can  help  through  a  dedicated  cooperation  platform  for  third  countries  to  establish 
pathways  for  persons  displaced  by  the  conflict,  particularly  those  who  are  already  host  to 
significant Ukrainian communities (such as Canada or the United Kingdom).    

Support also continues for repatriation of third country nationals who were caught up in 
the  war  in  Ukraine,  including  through  outreach  to  the  countries  of  origin.  Many  third 
countries  have  arranged  for  their  citizens  to  be  repatriated  either  directly  or  with  EU 
assistance.  Frontex has supported the first humanitarian voluntary return flights from Poland 
to  Tajikistan  and  Kyrgyszstan,  with  further  humanitarian  voluntary  return  flights  in  the 
pipeline. The Commission is working with the International Organization for Migration on a 
facility to support Eastern Partnership countries such as Moldova to repatriate third country 
nationals fleeing the war.   

8. 

FAST, FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS TO FINANCE SOLIDARITY   

The Commission  has taken immediate action to  help  mobilise financial support to  Member 
States  hosting  those  fleeing  war  against  Ukraine.  This  builds  on  the  very  wide  range  of 
assistance already available under Union Civil  Protection Mechanism, Cohesion  Policy  and 
the Home Affairs  funds. This  includes  investments  in  infrastructure, equipment,  services in 
education,  employment,  housing,  health,  social  and  childcare.  Another  source  of  prompt 
assistance is the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived.    

The Cohesion’s Action  for Refugees in Europe (CARE)27 proposal, to be adopted by  the 
European  Parliament  and  the  Council  in  the  coming  days,  facilitates  the  flexible  use  of 
funding still available from the 2014-20 programmes. In particular, it will allow more flexible 
and  interchangeable  use  of  the  European  Regional  Development  Fund  and  the  European 
Social Fund. All expenditure concerning those fleeing the war will be retrospectively eligible, 
dating  back  to  the  Russian  invasion  of  Ukraine  on  24  February  2022.  This  will  enable 
immediate mobilisation of funding, without having to  wait for programmes  to  be modified. 
The exceptional 100% co-financing rate applied in response to the pandemic is extended by a 
year, which will lighten the burden on national, regional and local budgets, releasing funds to 
meet  operational  needs.  These  flexibilities  should  also  help  to  support  the  many  NGOs 

26   Examples of such support by the transport sector are airlines, rail, bus and shipping companies offering free 

or discounted tickets for those fleeing Ukraine. 

27   COM (2022) 109, (8.3.2022) 

13 

 
 
 
                                                           
currently  playing  such  an  important  part  in  receiving  new  arrivals  in  Member  State  and 
offering the essential services they need.    

Amendments to the Home Affairs funds will unblock access to unspent amounts previously 
earmarked for specific purposes under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund in 2014-
20, giving Member States flexibility to use these resources to meet the new needs28.  

In addition, available funding under REACT-EU, in particular its 2022 tranche of up to €10 
billion, can be used if in line with the objective of ensuring recovery after the pandemic.  To 
support  Member  States,  and  particularly  those  closest  to  the  EU  border  with  Ukraine,  a 
€3.4 billion  pre-financing  payments  under  REACT-EU  will  be  made  available  to  speed  up 
access to funds.  

Significant  funding  is  also  available  under  the  2021-2027  financial  framework  from  both 
Home Affairs and Cohesion Policy funds. Member States may start eligible projects already 
now as expenditure is eligible for reimbursement as from 1 January 2021.   

With  the  increased  flexibility  in  use  of  available  funds  from  the  past  and  present  budget 
periods, Member States have various funding options at hand to support those fleeing the war 
against  Ukraine.  Member  States  and  regions  are  invited  to  make  use  of  these  options,  to 
accelerate programming of all funds and to include measures supporting those fleeing the war 
in Ukraine. 

To assist Member States and regions in this, a one-stop shop is being set up to bring together 
all relevant Commission experts to reach out to all relevant counterparts in the Member States 
to provide comprehensive guidance and individualised support on how to optimise the use of 
EU funding. It will provide expertise to reply to the specific questions of Member States in 
real time. On-site teams are also being dispatched to Member States to provide guidance and 
support on the ground.    

The  Technical  Support  Instrument  (TSI)  provides  tailor-made  support  to  help  Member 
States build institutional capacity, and can also be drawn on to help Member States address 
the  new  circumstances.  The  Commission  has  launched  a  dedicated  call29  in  response  to  the 
emerging  needs  of  Member  States  in  the  context  of  the  war.    They  will  be  able  to  request 
technical  support under the TSI Flagship  on migrant  integration to  help  them provide rapid 
access  to  vital  services  such  as  housing,  education,  employment  and  absorbing  EU  funds. 
Activities  under  ongoing  projects  on  migrant  integration  and  the  Child  Guarantee  can  be 
swiftly  adapted  to  new  needs  resulting  from  the  war  in  Ukraine.    Seven  Member  States 
already have plans under way to improve support to migrants, including on skills recognition 
and  employment,  which  can  be  recalibrated  to  meet  the  new  needs.  In  addition,  Member 
States can request special measures for rapid mobilisation of technical support.   

9. 

CONCLUSION 

Welcoming millions of people following the Russian aggression in Ukraine has seen and will 
continue  to  require  an  unprecedented  response  from  the  EU  in  terms  of  solidarity, 
coordination,  and  mutual  support.  This  Communication  shows  how  the  Commission  is 
harnessing  every  available  tool  –  in  terms  of  coordination,  organisation,  and  funding  –  to 
support the work now underway in Member States.  

28   COM (2022) 112, (8.3.2022) 
29   https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_1867  

14 

 
 
 
                                                           
The  Commission  is  in  daily  contact  with  Member  States  and  stakeholders  such  as  the 
business community, NGOs and civil society actors. Member States need quick answers on 
how  to  respond  to  new  challenges  and  the  new  responsibilities  they  have  under  the 
Temporary Protection Directive.  

The  EU  and  its  Member  States  have  the  resources,  knowledge  and  expertise  to  master  the 
challenges ahead. We have the networks and processes in place as well as the determination 
needed to deliver. This must now be drawn together to ensure that concerted action provides 
the  support  needed  across  Member  States.  Together  we  will  translate  the  goodwill  of 
Europeans  into  practical  help  for  the  millions  forced  by  Russian  aggression  to  leave  their 
homes.   

Whilst  the  focus  now  is  on  addressing  the  immediate  and  medium-term  needs,  the  present 
situation serves as a further reminder of the need to put in place a comprehensive migration 
and asylum management system.  

invites  all 

this 
The  Commission 
Communication,  with  the  upcoming  meeting  of  the  Justice  and  Home  Affairs  Council 
scheduled  for  28  March  2022  providing  an  opportunity  for  Interior  Ministers  to  take  the 
relevant elements forward.   

to  give  swift  consideration 

institutions 

the 

to 

15