The European Commission has published an updated visa and migration strategy for 2025–2030. The document sets key priorities for border security and rules for foreigners staying in the EU. For Ukrainian citizens, the strategy includes both maintaining current benefits and a gradual transition to new digital control standards.
Temporary Protection and its Future Transformation
The support mechanism for Ukrainians remains a priority. Currently, the status is officially extended until March 4, 2027. The entire package of social guarantees – the right to legal residence, work without additional permits, medical care, and education for children – remains in full effect.However, the EU is already preparing a plan for a "soft exit" from the temporary protection regime. This is not about deportations, but about transitioning to long-term national residence permits (pobyt). This will allow people to legally stay in EU countries on a stable basis after the directive expires.
Increased Control Through Border Digitalization
The European Union is completely abandoning paper bureaucracy. Three key innovations await us:
- ETIAS Launch: From the end of 2026, online authorization will be required for visa-free travel.
Cost: 20 euros (free for those under 18 and over 70).
Validity: 3 years.
Important: Ukrainians with temporary protection are exempt from ETIAS for travel within the Schengen area.
- EES System: The Entry/Exit System will automatically record biometric data at the border. Passport stamps will gradually become a thing of the past.
Digital Visas: Instead of stickers in passports, there will be digital records that cannot be forged.
Stricter Control of "Visa-Free" Travel
For those who do not have special status (temporary protection or residence permit), the rules of 90 days within 180 remain unchanged. However, thanks to automated systems, control over this period will become much stricter. Any violation will be recorded by the system instantly.
Europe is becoming more digital and secure. For those living legally in Slovakia, the changes will be technical, and the transition to long-term documents will be a logical step for the future.
