EU taps Ylva Johansson to be special envoy for Ukrainians

BRUSSELS — Former commissioner Ylva Johansson is expected to become the European Union’s new special envoy for Ukrainians in the bloc.

Two officials with knowledge of the appointment told POLITICO that Johansson will fill the newly created post, in which she will help oversee the Commission’s newly unveiled long-term strategy for Ukrainian refugees.

Johansson, a former Swedish minister, was home affairs commissioner from 2019 to 2024. She visited Ukraine on several occasions, including a refugee camp on the border with Romania, and was presented with the Ukrainian order of merit last September.

The Commission last week extended temporary protection for the roughly 4.3 million displaced Ukrainians who have found refuge in the EU since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

The EU executive also announced its plan to either transition Ukrainian refugees into permanent legal arrangements or facilitate their return home, and will launch “unity hubs” — information centers run jointly with Ukraine that will provide guidance on integration and returning home.

The special envoy’s role will be to “enhance coordination, represent the interests of Ukrainians, and implement practical support tools, including the development” of the centers, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner announced last week.

Ukraine has long eyed repatriating its people as its war with Russia grinds on. While some European officials have warned of growing “fatigue” in host countries toward Ukrainian refugees, other European countries are keen to keep them to boost their workforces.

Yurii Stasiuk contributed to this report.