2.3. EU solidarity with Ukraine

2.3. EU solidarity with Ukraine

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has provided its unwavering political, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine and hosted millions of displaced persons. The decision of the Council of the European Union in June 2024 to extend temporary protection until March 2026 provided stability and security to more than 4.4 million beneficiaries of temporary protection residing in EU countries.43 To ensure maximum flexibility in Member States’ support to people fleeing the war, the European Commission enabled the use of unspent cohesion funds, making available up to EUR 17 billion.44 

The EU continued as a core actor in the Ukraine Donor Platform, which brings together key stakeholders to coordinate action toward Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.45A dedicated instrument, the Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027, was launched in March 2024, which offers up to EUR 50 billion to bolster recovery and reconstruction, support reforms on the way to EU accession, mobilise investments and support Ukrainian society.46Since the Russian invasion, the EU has been coordinating its largest operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering more than 150,000 tonnes of in-kind assistance to Ukraine.47 Overall, the EU and its Member States have provided approximately EUR 134 billion to support Ukraine since the beginning of the war.48 

The response of the EU and its Member States to address the consequences of the Russian aggression in Ukraine has been decisive and constructive. Quick, sustained and synergistic action was catalysed by a number of factors, including strong political will; the existence of fit-for-purpose legislation, financial instruments, and humanitarian and civil protection mechanisms; and unity among key stakeholders, not only across but also within Member States, with national and local authorities and civil society working together to streamline and optimise the provision of services to displaced persons from Ukraine. 

The increasing complexity of the international geopolitical landscape and diplomacy add to the uncertainty of the situation in Ukraine. Thus, as the war has entered its fourth year, Europe’s role in the effective integration of displaced persons from Ukraine in the countries of residence remains key. (See Box 6 for an overview of measures taken by EU+ countries in 2024 to address the needs of displaced persons from Ukraine.)