The European Commission (EC) has adopted the Cohesion Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE) legislative proposal to help EU countries with the provision of emergency support to cover the basic needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and arriving in Europe (such as temporary accommodation, food and water supplies or medical care).

CARE provides additional flexibility in cohesion policy funding through the introduction of changes to cohesion policy rules, which maximise the speed and ease with which EU countries can help newly arrived refugees from Ukraine

Countries will also be able to use the funding to develop solutions for the long-term integration of people with a migrant background, through investments in housing, education, employment, health, social inclusion and care, and other social services. In the shorter term this could include training, language courses, counselling, coaching, psychological assistance, legal support, and access to childcare services.

Cohesion policy support will complement the support already provided via the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and other EU funding sources.