Temporary status for Ukrainians extended until 2028 with new limits
The European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians (Photo: Rachel Wisniewski/Reuters)
EU member states agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled Russia’s war until March 4, 2028, the Council of the EU said in a press release on July 15.
At the same time, the new rules mean the status will not be granted to everyone.
Under the agreed decision, temporary protection will be granted only to people who comply with their military obligations in Ukraine.
The restriction will apply only to new applicants and will not affect Ukrainians who already benefit from temporary protection in EU countries.
“The signal is clear: we continue to stand by Ukraine,” said Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s minister for justice, home affairs and migration.
“And as part of our support, we also want to make sure Ukraine can defend itself. This is why our temporary protection scheme respects Ukraine’s legitimate needs.”
To receive temporary protection, people who leave Ukraine will have to prove compliance with requirements related to military obligations.
For example, this could be done by showing a passport with an exit stamp issued by Ukrainian authorities, proving that the person left Ukraine legally and therefore complied with military-obligation requirements, the Council said.
Proof could also be provided in paper or electronic form confirming exemption from military obligations or compliance with the relevant requirements.
Temporary protection had previously been extended until March 4, 2027.
More than 4 million people who were forced to leave Ukraine have benefited from the EU’s temporary protection mechanism since March 2022.
There are currently 4.3 million Ukrainians in Europe with temporary protection status, Rzeczpospolita reported.
Germany hosts the largest number, at 1.2 million, followed by Poland with 960,000.
More than 218,000 Ukrainian men ages 18 to 65 were living in Poland as of June 15, according to PESEL registry data.
Across the EU, adult men account for 26.6% of all people under protection, meaning about 1.15 million Ukrainian men hold the status.
European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said June 26 that the European Commission proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028.
However, the extension would not apply to newly arrived men ages 23 to 60 who are subject to mobilization in Ukraine, Brunner said.
Military-liable Ukrainians could begin being denied temporary protection within weeks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported the same day, citing an anonymous EU official.
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