Ukraine and the European Union are agreeing on a plan for the stay of Ukrainian citizens in EU countries and their return home.
Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity for European Integration Ilona Gavronska voiced the main principles on which the step-by-step plan for the gradual completion of the EU Directive on Temporary Protection for Ukrainians should be based.
According to her, Ukraine is currently coordinating further steps with European partners to ensure that this process is fair, predictable, and based on respect for people's choices.
"Our joint work with the EU on future changes for Ukrainians is based on three key principles: unity, dignity and partnership. Unity is about maintaining the connection of Ukrainians with their homeland, with each other and with Europe. Dignity is about recognizing that Ukrainians abroad take an active part in the life of the countries that sheltered them, and are not a burden on them," — noted Gavronskaya.
She emphasized that we need to work together so that every Ukrainian in the EU, regardless of whether they decide to stay or return home, feels part of the European future.
“Now is the time to look ahead — how we can move from temporary protections to sustainable policies based on partnership,” — the deputy minister said.
Gavronska also emphasized the importance of social cohesion among Ukrainians both abroad and in Ukraine.
