The European Commission will propose familiarization trips home for Ukrainians.

After extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027, the European Commission recommends that member states implement a range of initiatives, including organizing familiarization tours to Ukraine for those considering a return home. According to the authors of the initiative, during such trips, refugees will be able to check the condition of their property, meet with relatives, assess the level of destruction in their communities, and evaluate the overall living conditions in the country.

People considering the possibility of returning home to Ukraine should be able to make informed decisions, which will also contribute to the sustainable development of their return, the document states. To prevent abuse, member states are advised to clearly define the parameters, conditions, and requirements for such visits: frequency, duration, and notification procedure for trips.

Separately, the European Commission calls for the creation of Unity Hubs, which will serve as support centers for Ukrainians abroad. Their task will be to provide information about both the opportunities for returning home and the options for integration in the host countries. The first such center is set to appear this summer in Berlin. Subsequent ones will open in Prague and the Spanish city of Alicante.

Recommendations from the European Commission for Ukrainian Refugees Abroad

Ukrainian refugees are advised to undertake familiarization tours to Ukraine to check the condition of their property, meet with relatives, and assess conditions in the country. The importance of enabling them to make informed decisions about returning and the sustainable development of this process is also emphasized. Additionally, the European Commission calls for the creation of support centers for Ukrainians abroad that will provide information about opportunities for return and integration into other countries.

The European Commission recommends organizing familiarization trips for Ukrainians considering the possibility of returning home. During such trips, people will be able to check the condition of their property, meet with relatives, and assess living conditions in Ukraine. It is also important that refugees can make informed decisions regarding their return and the sustainable development of this process. Furthermore, it is recommended to create support centers for Ukrainians abroad that will provide information regarding opportunities for return and integration in new countries.