EU proposes extending temporary protection for Ukrainians while excluding new military-age men
The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians already living in the European Union until March 2028, while stopping the scheme from covering newly arriving military-age men. The move would affect the bloc's response to people fleeing Russia's war in Ukraine, which has continued for a fifth year. It would still allow those excluded from temporary protection to seek asylum under existing rules.
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The proposal was announced in Brussels by the EU's internal affairs chief, Magnus Brunner, who said the change follows a request from Kyiv. He said the plan means temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving people who are not allowed to leave Ukraine because of their military obligations. The Commission said the measure would apply once approved by EU member states.
Temporary protection was first granted after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and has been rolled over several times. It is currently due to expire next March, but the new proposal would extend it for people already covered by the scheme. About 4.4 million people currently benefit from the arrangement, which gives residence permits, the right to work, and access to medical assistance, social welfare and education.
The proposal comes as Ukraine continues to face manpower shortages and seeks to balance military needs with the situation of civilians abroad. The Commission said it had taken into account Ukraine's evolving defence needs and recovery needs. It also said adult men make up about 27% of all Ukrainians currently benefiting from EU protection, while women account for 43% and minors 30%.
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The change would be significant for migration policy across the bloc because it narrows access for a specific group while preserving protection for those already settled in EU countries. Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic host the largest Ukrainian communities under the scheme. The proposal also reflects the continuing strain of the war on both Ukraine's population and the EU's asylum and residence systems.
Brussels said it will also develop a pilot programme to support Ukrainians who want to return home with practical help in areas such as jobs, housing and education. What remains unclear is how quickly member states will approve the proposal and how national authorities will apply the new rules in practice. It is also not yet clear how many newly arriving men could seek asylum instead of temporary protection once the change takes effect.
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