Czechia seeks EU debate on scaling back temporary protection for Ukrainians

The Czech government wants to open a debate in the European Union on changing the conditions of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO) said after talks in Berlin with his German counterpart Alexander Dobrindt. According to the Czech Interior Ministry, Prague believes it is necessary to consider limiting the scope of protection, for example based on geographical origin or other criteria. Nearly 398,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection in Czechia, with around 6,000 more arriving each month. Metnar also discussed migration policy, calling for tougher measures against illegal migration, faster returns and the possibility of establishing return centres outside the EU. Both ministers addressed border controls within the Schengen area.