4 years since the start of the war in Ukraine: what comes next for people under temporary protection in Bulgaria?

Today, four years after 24 February 2022, the integration of Ukrainian refugees remains a highly relevant issue. In an interview for Programme “Horizon” of the Bulgarian National Radio, attorney Yanka Kosarova from the Foundation for Access to Rights outlined the key challenges and possible solutions.

Key message:

Temporary protection is a transitional regime. Thousands of Ukrainian nationals in Bulgaria are seeking a more durable and stable solution to their status—one that provides security, predictability, and a real opportunity for full integration.

The state has two main options:

- To provide access to the general procedure for international protection.

- To create opportunities for long-term lawful residence under the Foreigners Act.

Integration does not begin or end with status—it requires sustainable policies, legal certainty, and effective access to rights.

Listen to the full interview by Viktoria Todorova with attorney Yanka Kosarova here: https://bnrnews.bg/horizont/post/432234/adv-yanka-kosarova-ukraintsite-u-nas-tarsyat-trayno-reshenie-na-svoya-statut