Ukrainian community in France thanks authorities for refugee protection bill

PARIS – The Ukrainian community in France has expressed deep gratitude to French authorities following the National assembly’s passage of a new bill aimed at strengthening protection measures for Ukrainian refugees.

The legislation, passed in its first reading on May 14, marks a significant step in France’s ongoing support for those displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion, now having entered its fourth year.

The bill is designed to improve living conditions and integration opportunities for Ukrainian nationals who have sought refuge in France since the outbreak of the war in February 2022. France is currently home to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees who arrived under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive, which grants displaced persons the right to reside, work, and access social services in host countries.

“Special thanks to Uliana Mosorko from the Coordination Committee for Aid to Ukraine, Prefect Joseph Zimet, Senators Nadia Sollogoub-Thollenaz and Isabelle Florennes, Ukrainian Consul in France Serhii Esaulov, and everyone who contributed to this important achievement,” wrote Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) Vice President.

Kogutyak highlighted that the bill will significantly improve the lives of thousands of Ukrainian refugees in France. 

Key provisions include easier access to employment for medical professionals from outside the EU — many of whom are Ukrainians — extended social assistance, and increased funding for housing programs.

“This bill is a vital step toward providing a more stable and dignified life for Ukrainian refugees in France. We thank France for its solidarity and support,” Kogutyak said.