According to the Temporary Protection Directive, assistance must be provided to Ukrainians, but the level of social and family benefits is determined by the member states, European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert said on Tuesday.
President Karol Nawrocki on Monday vetoed an amendment to the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens, which would extend the temporary protection provided for by the EU directive. Among other things, Nawrocki wants to make access to healthcare for Ukrainians conditional on paying health insurance contributions. The president has announced his own legislative initiative.
The EC spokesman recalled that in July, member states decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU until March 2027. “In this way, the EU is strengthening its steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed,” he said.
The mechanism guaranteeing support to those seeking help in the EU was first activated for Ukrainians after the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Around 4 million Ukrainians benefit from it across the EU. Temporary protection for Ukrainians is regularly extended by member states.
The amendment, vetoed by the president, was intended to incorporate the EU provision into Polish law. Nawrocki also justified his decision by arguing that the 800+ benefit should only be available to Ukrainians working in Poland.
“Basically, according to the directive, if beneficiaries (of temporary protection – PAP) do not have sufficient resources themselves, member states must provide them with the necessary assistance in the areas of social welfare, medical care, and subsistence,” emphasized the EC spokesperson. “However, the Temporary Protection Directive does not stipulate an amount or a minimum threshold for social assistance. Its level remains at the discretion of the member states,” said Lammert.
The European Commission spokesman also recalled that the EU is also allocating EU funds to aid Ukrainians. “Before the summer, we announced our decision to transfer €3 billion to member states hosting Ukrainian refugees,” he said.
Temporary protection guarantees those covered by it the right to reside in all EU countries, as well as access to the labour market and housing, medical assistance, social assistance and access to education for children.
Magdalena Cedro from Brussels (PAP)
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