Extended Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in the EU Until 2026
The European Council recently decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians forced to flee their country due to military conflict until March 2026. This resolution affects approximately four million Ukrainian citizens, granting them the legal right to continue living, working, and studying within the EU.
“This decision is significant not only in the short term but also for the long-term perspective. On one hand, it enables our compatriots to retain their jobs and support their families; on the other, it facilitates the accumulation of valuable experience and skills that will be invaluable upon their return to Ukraine after the war. The post-war economic revival would be unfeasible without re-engaging these labor forces,” asserts Denys Kostrzhevskyi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kyiv International Airport.
Ukrainians Abroad—A Source of Foreign Currency Inflows
Over the past decades, Ukrainian migrant workers have played a crucial role as one of the primary sources of foreign currency inflows to Ukraine. By remitting money home, they not only support their families financially but also contribute significantly to sustaining the national economy. With the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the number of migrant workers has increased even more.
“According to a World Bank report, there was a substantial increase in the volume of money transfers to Ukraine in 2022, which saw an increase of over 20%, marking a record high. Such an influx of funds has played a crucial role in supporting the economy, especially given the challenges posed by the war and global economic uncertainties. In 2023, the volume of remittances remained stable, continuing to bolster Ukraine’s economy,” notes Denys Kostrzhevskyi.
Denys Kostrzhevskyi on Strategies for Worker Retention and Ukraine’s Recovery
The Need to Develop Attractive Mechanisms for Migrant Return
To facilitate the return of migrant workers and utilize their potential in post-war recovery, it is essential to devise specific and appealing state mechanisms. These include opportunities for starting one’s own business with tax incentives, guarantees of employment in new infrastructure projects, and investment stimuli. Such measures need to be enshrined in law, ensuring that millions of Ukrainian expatriates and migrant workers are not only willing to return but are also able to contribute to the economic renewal and development.
“For the revival of Ukraine’s economy post-war, it is crucial to engage the labor resources currently abroad. However, this should be done not through coercion but by creating attractive conditions for return. Legislative developments should aim at economic incentives that facilitate the return of migrant workers, such as tax benefits, state support programs for small and medium enterprises, and advantageous investment opportunities,” Kostrzhevskyi is convinced.
Kostrzhevskyi Advocates for Engaging Ukrainians and Foreign Workers in Reconstruction
Denys Kostrzhevskyi also believes that Ukraine needs to create conditions that not only appeal to millions of our compatriots but also to hundreds of thousands of foreign workers eager to participate in the country’s rebuilding. “We must use this time to prepare for the post-war revival of our country. It is necessary to develop effective mechanisms for Ukrainians to return home, creating attractive conditions for work and entrepreneurship. State programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, tax incentives, and investment funds are tools that will help our citizens return and actively engage in rebuilding Ukraine’s economy,” says Denys Kostrzhevskyi.
Support from Europe in Difficult Times
We are grateful to the European countries for their support and solidarity during these challenging times. Through collective efforts, we can not only survive this difficult period but also lay the groundwork for Ukraine’s future prosperity.
