Poland will be forced to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians

The appropriate decision should be made on September 28. If Poland blocks the decision to extend the temporary protection of Ukrainians, it will be adopted by a majority vote, as the extension does not require unanimity.

Radio Svoboda reports this, citing its sources in diplomatic circles.

On Thursday, September 28, the Council of the European Union plans to extend the directive on the temporary protection of Ukrainians until 2025. The Council of Ministers will try to make a decision unanimously, thus demonstrating the unity of the European Union and continued support and assistance to Ukraine. RFE/RL writes that currently, only Poland has reservations about extending temporary protection. In particular, Warsaw wants more EU funds to support refugees.

Earlier, Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said on Polish television that the provisions on the temporary protection of Ukrainian refugees will expire at the beginning of next year and there has been no decision on extending the current law.

If Warsaw blocks the decision to extend the directive, it will be adopted by a majority vote

Even if Warsaw opposes the continuation of refugee protection in the country, the decision can be made by a majority vote. In such a case, all Member States are obliged to comply with it. European Commissioner Nikolay Shmit emphasizes that these are not recommendations, but directives that all EU members are obliged to follow and report on their implementation.

Ukrainians are massively losing social benefits

Ukrainian refugees who have found temporary shelter in Poland are complaining en masse that they are losing their UKR status, and with it free medical care and social benefits for child care. Ukrainian women with small children in their arms do not receive benefits for half a year, and some even longer than nine months. And to return them, you have to try very hard and prove to the local Social Insurance Institution that you have the right to receive them.

The Ombudsman intervened in the case and twice appealed to the Government Plenipotentiary for Refugees, Pavlo Shefernaker, regarding the illegal deprivation of Ukrainians' UKR status. The Ministry explained that each time Ukrainians enter Poland, they must indicate to Border Guard officers the purpose of entering Poland, namely that they are seeking shelter in connection with hostilities on the territory of Ukraine. They must also present the electronic document diia.pl. in order for the border service to register an entry in the system intended for military refugees from Ukraine.