BRUSSELS

EU member states on Friday agreed to prolong temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the ongoing war until March 2027.

The EU Council unanimously supported the proposal to extend the measure, which was due to expire in March 2026, until March 4, 2027, according to a statement.

The temporary protection framework guarantees displaced Ukrainians the right to reside, work, and access education, health care and social welfare across all EU countries, without needing to apply for asylum individually.

Since 2022, more than 4.3 million Ukrainians fleeing have benefited from the special status.

The Council is expected to formally approve the extension at the upcoming meeting scheduled for June 26-27.