Key facts
- EU ambassadors agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2028.
- New applicants not fulfilling military obligations in Ukraine will be excluded from the scheme.
- This limitation applies only to new applicants, not those already under protection.
- The measure aims to encourage Ukrainian men to return and fulfill military duties.
- The temporary protection mechanism allows refugees to live, work, and study in EU countries.
European Union ambassadors have agreed to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2028, providing greater certainty for the over 4 million displaced individuals. However, a significant new restriction will exclude new applicants who are not fulfilling their military obligations in Ukraine. This measure specifically targets Ukrainian men eligible for compulsory military service, who will be barred from applying for this status going forward.
To obtain refugee-like status in the EU, Ukrainians will need to prove they left the country legally, presenting a passport with an exit stamp or a document confirming exemption from military service. Ukraine's martial law prevents most men aged 23 and over from leaving the country due to military service obligations, though exemptions exist for individuals unfit for service, fathers of three or more children, and caregivers.
Despite these rules, some Ukrainian men of draft age have crossed borders illegally and obtained temporary protection in EU countries. Frontex data indicates nearly 1,000 such illegal crossings into the EU this year and over 10,000 in 2025. Adult men account for 26.6% of Ukrainian refugees in Europe, but specific data on military-age individuals or irregular arrivals is unavailable.
Individuals already benefiting from temporary protection will not be affected by the rule changes. The scheme, established in March 2022, allows Ukrainians to live, work, receive medical assistance, and access education in EU countries. As of May 31, 2026, 4.38 million people were under temporary protection. Denmark, which has an opt-out from EU migration policy, operates a similar system.
Individual EU member states are reportedly tightening their policies. Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic are preparing stricter conditions for temporary protection access. Germany is also piloting 'unity hubs' to encourage Ukrainians to consider returning home. The decision by ambassadors requires formal adoption by ministers, expected in the coming weeks.