European Commission seeks to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians, but not newly arrived military-age men

The European Commission has proposed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, but not to grant it to newly arrived Ukrainian citizens who are prohibited from leaving Ukraine due to military service obligations.

Source: Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The EU is proposing to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, with an exception for those fleeing military service in Ukraine.

"We are presenting today a proposal to prolong temporary protection for one additional year … until 4 March 2028," Brunner said.

He added that the European Commission's proposal "takes into account Ukraine's evolving defence needs and recovery needs".

Quote: "Our proposal provides that temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving persons who are not allowed to leave Ukraine because of their military obligations under Ukrainian law. And this is what Ukraine has asked us to do, and this is what we are doing."

Details: Brunner added that the issue had been "discussed extensively with our Ukrainian partners, our Ukrainian friends, and also, of course, with our member states".

He stressed that the proposal "will protect the families who have built lives in Europe and integrated also into host societies, for example, by finding jobs, by contributing also to the EU economy, by learning the language, going to school, setting up businesses".

It should be noted that the next step will be for the Council of the European Union to discuss and approve the European Commission's proposal.

Background:

• European Pravda reported earlier that the EU planned to decide on the status of Ukrainian refugees in July 2026, or in September if no agreement had been reached by then.
• The Temporary Protection Directive introduced in March 2022 has given millions of Ukrainians access to a range of rights in the EU without overloading asylum systems. Initially designed as a short-term emergency measure, it has been repeatedly extended and is currently in force until 4 March 2027.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!