EU agrees to give its countries more flexibility in using funds to host Ukrainian refugees

The Council of the European Union today adopted a package of legislative changes to step up support for EU governments and regions in managing the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, including hosting more Ukrainian refugees.

The new measures complement the funding already mobilised in support of Ukrainian refugees in April. They further increase flexibility in the use of EU cohesion policy funds to channel resources towards supporting refugees, while taking into account the budgetary constraints faced by member states and ensuring maximum efficiency of support. 

In practice, the new measures will facilitate the financing of a wide range of actions to support people fleeing the war, ranging from providing first reception and accommodation to ensuring refugees’ access to healthcare and the labour market. They will also ensure sufficient direct support for those providing the first line of assistance to refugees in local communities.

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Press release