European Commission promises to clarify new protection rules for Ukrainians soon

Tetyana Vysotska, Iryna Balachuk - 20 August, 14:37

Stock photo: Pexels.com

The European Commission has said it will update and provide EU member states with operational guidance on the application of new rules for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians in the EU in the coming weeks. The rules entered into force on 5 August.

Source: a European Pravda correspondent in Brussels

Quote from European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert: "... And on top of this will come new and updated operational guidelines which we will publish as well in the coming weeks."

Details: He clarified that the guidance will address which categories of Ukrainians are no longer eligible for temporary protection in the EU.

Lammert noted that "a frequently asked questions document" had already been provided to member states, and the European Commission is now working on "more detailed guidance to continue to support member states with the interpretation of the rules".

He also stressed that the practical assessment of each individual case falls within the remit of the relevant national authorities of the member states.

"The Council decision does not differentiate between men and women in the application. This is about military service or former military service," Lammert stressed.

Background:

In late July, the EU extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, introducing a new provision under which newly arrived Ukrainian citizens liable for military service will only be eligible for the status if they have no issues with their military registration documents.
Switzerland has also extended its support measures for people fleeing the war in Ukraine until 4 March 2028, with restrictions similar to those introduced by the EU. From now on, S status in Switzerland will only be granted to people who fulfil military obligations that may apply to them in Ukraine. The restrictions will not apply to Ukrainian citizens who were already granted S status by 20 August 2026.
According to the latest data, the largest numbers of Ukrainians with temporary protection are in Germany (more than 1.28 million, or 29.2% of the total in the EU), Poland (more than 960,000, or 21.8%) and Czechia (more than 390,000, or 8.9%).

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