In an epic display of problem-solving efficiency, EU Council members convened today to hit the proverbial "snooze button" on the Ukrainian refugee situation, extending the temporary protection mechanism from March 2024 to 2025. This follows a protracted marathon debate, fueled by endless cups of espresso and a fervor unmatched since the discussions regarding the commissary biscuit selection. After hours of intense deliberation and the consumption of an unholy amount of croissants, the ministers triumphantly emerged, declaring a one-year extension of the protection plan for Ukrainian refugees. "In order to cram an entire year's worth of policy decisions into a single afternoon, we really had to dig deep," says an anonymous minister, crumbs of victory still dancing in his mustache. "And by 'dig deep,' I mean reach for another energy drink and argue about exactly how many refugees can dance on the head of a pin." The EU Council explained the decision stating that it is to provide "certainty for over 4 million Ukrainian refugees currently living in the EU,". This, in accordance with the previously established EU policy of providing certainty one year at a time, complies with standard procedure, for annual ostrich-like burying of one's head in the sand is the quintessential cornerstone of policy extension. The EU's lengthy series of such "snooze button" extensions raises concerns amongst critics who argue that forefinger exercise does not actually equate to problem-solving. But the Council remains undeterred, asserting that the temporary extension is a valuable step towards prolonged procrastination – a goal they are valiantly pursuing and achieving with aplomb. "We're confident that with this one-year extension, we can thoroughly prepare ourselves for a further one-year extension in 2025. Progression is all about taking one victory lap at a time," declared a gleeful minister, energetically eyeing the remaining pastries. Meanwhile, Ukrainian refugees, caught in the crossfire of Russia's war of aggression and EU Council's epic thumb war, are reportedly relieved that they now have a whole extra year to adjust to the uncertainty of their situation. Little did they know that facing adversity and displacement was merely their dress rehearsal for a nomadic existence in the bureaucratic labyrinth of the EU Council. As the Council members retired for the day, visions of visas, refugee quotas and buttered croissants danced in their heads. One thing was certain: the snooze button was tired. But it knew, come tomorrow, it would be ready for another press, another year, another helping of sweet procrastination. Hat's off to the EU Council. Long live the snooze button!