European Temporary Protection Directive

The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) gives refugees from Ukraine the right to accommodation and medical care in the Netherlands. It also gives children aged under 18 years the right to education. The TPD also provides for the opportunity to work. The Council of the European Union has extended the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for another year, until 4 March 2026. This will allow refugees from Ukraine to stay in EU member states for an extra year.

As millions of people from Ukraine fled the war with Russia, the Council of the European Union first passed the TPD on 4 March 2022. It gives refugees from Ukraine the temporary right to accommodation, medical care, work and education in all EU member states. The TPD was initially activated for one year, with the option to extend it twice until 4 March 2025. Given the continuing uncertain situation in Ukraine, the Council of the European Union has now decided to extend the TPD in its current form for another year.

Refugees of Ukrainian nationality enjoy a different position to other persons from outside the EU and EFTA countries.