EU ministers broadly supported a proposal to limit temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age, according to Sweden's migration minister. The directive, activated in 2022, grants residence permits and labor market access. Restrictions would apply to new arrivals, not those already covered. Over 4.33 million people currently benefit from the scheme.
European Union ministers have broadly supported a proposal to limit access to temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age, according to Sweden's migration minister. The European Union activated the Temporary Protection Directive in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine to manage large-scale arrivals of displaced people. The scheme, which has been extended and is due to expire in March 2027, grants beneficiaries residence permits and access to the labor market and social welfare. Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that any restrictions should apply only to new arrivals, not to those already covered by the scheme, emphasizing the need for men to stay in Ukraine to fight the war. The European Commission would need to propose any modifications, which then require approval from EU countries. Currently, over 4.33 million people benefit from the directive, with Germany hosting the largest share, followed by Poland and Czechia.
The decision could impact the number of Ukrainian men available to fight in Ukraine and potentially alter the dynamics of refugee flows within the EU.