Key facts
- The EU Commission proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2028.
- Newly arrived men of fighting age will be excluded from this protection at Ukraine's request.
- The restriction aims to help Ukraine bolster its defense capabilities.
- The measure will not apply to individuals already granted temporary protection.
- The Council of Europe has raised human rights concerns regarding the proposal.
The European Union is moving to extend temporary protection for millions of Ukrainian refugees until March 2028, but with a significant change: new arrivals eligible for military service will be excluded. This proposal, driven by Ukraine's request to bolster its fighting force amid its ongoing war with Russia, aims to balance defence needs with humanitarian concerns.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that temporary protection should not be granted to individuals who are legally obligated to serve in Ukraine's armed forces. The measure is not retroactive and will not affect Ukrainians already residing in EU member states. The European Commission hopes for swift endorsement from the 27 member states, potentially within weeks.
Ukraine has been actively seeking such measures to increase its troop numbers. Over 4.4 million Ukrainians have found refuge in the EU since 2022, primarily in Germany and Poland, receiving residency permits and social support.
However, the Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner, Michael O’Flaherty, has voiced concerns, warning that winding down protection for displaced Ukrainians could lead to legal limbo, poverty, and unsafe returns. He emphasized that conditions on the ground in Ukraine do not yet permit safe and dignified returns for all, and that blanket restrictions may raise human rights issues, advocating for case-by-case assessments.
The Commission also proposed a pilot project to support voluntary returns for Ukrainians in Europe who wish to go home when fighting eases.