Implementing decision 2022/382 - Existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC, and having the effect of introducing temporary protection - Main contents

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 71/1

On 24 February 2022, Russian armed forces launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine at multiple locations from the Russian Federation, from Belarus and from non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

As a result, substantial areas of Ukrainian territory now constitute areas of armed conflict from which thousands of persons have fled or are fleeing.

Following the invasion, which seeks to undermine European and global security and stability, the European Council, in its conclusions of 24 February 2022, condemned Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms, underlining the gross violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The European Council demanded Russia's full respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders, which includes Ukraine's right to choose its own destiny. The European Council also confirmed that the Russian government bears full responsibility for its act of aggression, which is causing human suffering and loss of lives, and that it will be held accountable for its actions. In solidarity with Ukraine, the European Council agreed on further sanctions, called for work to be taken forward on preparedness at all levels, and invited the Commission to put forward contingency measures.

The Union has shown, and will continue to show, its resolute support for Ukraine and its citizens, faced with an unprecedented act of aggression by the Russian Federation. This Decision forms part of the Union's response to the migratory pressure resulting from the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

The conflict already has implications for the Union, including the likelihood of high migratory pressure on its Eastern borders as the conflict unfolds. As of 1 March 2022, more than 650 000 displaced persons had arrived in the Union from Ukraine through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Those numbers are expected to increase.

Ukraine is listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (2), and nationals of Ukraine are exempt from the requirement to be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of Member States for stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Based on the experience gained from the aftermath of the 2014 Russian illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, and from war in the east of Ukraine, the expectation is that half of the Ukrainians coming to the Union, benefitting from visa-free travel for short-stays, will join family members or seek employment in the Union, whilst the other half will request international protection. Depending on how the conflict evolves, based on current estimations, the Union is likely to be faced with a very large number of displaced persons, potentially between 2,5 million and 6,5 million as a consequence of the armed conflict, of whom it is...