EU to deny protection to Ukrainians evading military service under provisional decision

EU ambassadors have agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians, while also deciding that newly arrived Ukrainian men of military age will be eligible for the status only if they can demonstrate that they have fulfilled their military registration obligations.

Source: a press release by the Council of the EU, as reported by European Pravda

Quote: "In addition, recognising both the need to protect displaced persons and Ukraine's need to defend itself against Russia's illegal war of aggression, EU countries agreed that temporary protection should be granted only to those complying with their military obligations in Ukraine."

Details: Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU is set to be extended until 4 March 2028. However, it will not be granted to newly arrived Ukrainian citizens of military age who have left Ukraine to evade mobilisation.

"Taking into account Ukraine's evolving defence needs, going forward temporary protection will be granted only to those who satisfy their military obligations in Ukraine. This limitation will only apply to new applicants for temporary protection. It will not apply to those already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU," the Commission added.

European Pravda notes that, in practice, applicants will have to prove that they have no issues related to military registration or service. This could include presenting a passport bearing a Ukrainian exit stamp confirming that they left the country legally, or providing a paper or electronic document confirming that they have complied with their legal military service obligations.

Approval by the ambassadors is an intermediate step in the decision-making process. Formal adoption of the decision is expected later in July.

Background:

• On 26 June, the European Commission presented its proposal to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians fleeing the war in the EU by another year.
• The EU plans to adopt a decision on the status of Ukrainian refugees in July 2026; if not, the decision is expected in September.

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