Bulgaria extends refugee assistance program for Ukrainians until year-end

The Sofia Globe reported the information.

The assistance mechanism, introduced in 2022, was extended until December 31, 2024, under the existing conditions, following a decision made at the meeting on Wednesday, July 31.

In particular, the assistance mechanism provides for state payments for housing to people who were forced to leave Ukraine due to Russian aggression and received temporary protection in Bulgaria in accordance with a European Commission directive.

The outlet adds that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, 2,454,748 Ukrainians have entered Bulgaria.

Of these, 181,868 Ukrainians were registered by Bulgaria under the EU temporary protection scheme. Currently, 55,302 Ukrainians remain in Bulgaria, and 6,081 under the state scheme.

• On July 10, the European Commission approved a 12-month extension of an agreement with mobile operators that allows Ukrainians abroad to stay connected.