Plenary debates with Council and Commission representatives the deteriorating situation for refugees as a consequence of the Russian invasion. According to the UNHCR, more than two millions persons have left the country since 24 February, most of them heading to neighbouring countries.

EU - Ukraine (T)

debate

plenary session

troubles in Ukraine (T)

migration and refugees in Europe (T)

The deterioration of the situation of refugees as a consequence of Russian aggression against Ukraine: extracts from the debate

Title: The deterioration of the situation of refugees as a consequence of Russian aggression against Ukraine: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (French), KLINKERT Brigitte, French Minister Delegate for Integration, It is important to stress that no one will be sent back from EU external borders. All those fleeing the war in Ukraine will be admitted into the EU. And the objective of this measure is to avoid long asylum procedures for these people.

SOUNDBITE (French), KLINKERT Brigitte, French Minister Delegate for Integration, We, as Europeans all have the duty to welcome the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, mainly women and children and elderly people who are mainly in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, but who are also going to other member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Last week I also witnessed this one of the most impressive European unity when we united to condemn Putin's aggression and support Ukraine. And when the council unanimously adopted the proposal to activate the Temporary Protection Directive. As you are well aware in this House, this directive is more than 20 years old. It has never been used before, never. But now you have called on us today to activate it. But now we have done it. It's unique and historic moment.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Last week, around eight thousand Ukrainians applied for asylum, a fraction of the arrivals, actually. But this situation might change rapidly. as more people flee the country. The application so far has been mostly in Sweden and Romania. Romania has asked for operationalised support from the European Agency for Asylum, which can help with asylum procedures.

SOUNDBITE (English), Ylva JOHANSSON, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Besides solidarity and unity, we need money, money not only for reception rights right right now, but also to help with education, jobs, housing for integration in our societies. Today, we propose in another unprecedented decision to give more flexibility to member states to use 420 million euro for our home affairs funds.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jeroen LENAERS (EPP, NL), When talking about refugees, we often speak about reception and protection in the region. Well, this is our region. This is our continent, and it's our duty to step up. And Europe is stepping up. And it's heartwarming to see the warm welcome provided all over Europe, the outpouring of solidarity and support of refugees, so many volunteers becoming active, so many donations being made, so many accommodations offer.

SOUNDBITE (Polish), Marek BELKA (S&amp;D, PL), However, we must also give Ukrainians hope to live in a decent manner, in a peaceful manner, in the long term. In Europe, this help, which is carried right now by ordinary citizens, should be replaced by concrete financial aid to financial organisation and to more structural support to these aid programmes should be directed to local governments which incur the most costs of bringing aid.

SOUNDBITE (English), Petras AU&#352;TREVI&#268;IUS (Renew, LT), I would like the Ukrainian refugees to feel EU solidarity, support, assistance and protection as well. We need to ensure the EU presence in every single border crossing and the refugee reception centre. Our solidarity must be translated into real aid action in real time.

SOUNDBITE (English), Tineke STRIK (Greens/EFA, NL), The refugees from Ukraine, deserve our unconditional support no matter how long, no matter how many. But let me be very clear. Being forced to flee means the same misery, despair and fear. Wherever you are in the world, let this war at our doorstep not distract us from the needs and rights of refugees from other countries. Do not believe politicians who make us believe that protection for the one makes means less protection for the other.