EU moves to prolong protection for Ukrainians but not new arrivals eligible for military service
The proposal would keep protection for 4.4 million Ukrainians already in the bloc while excluding new military-age arrivals who lack permission to leave.
- On Friday, the European Commission proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2028 while barring newly arriving men aged 23 to 60 who lack authorization to leave Ukraine due to military obligations.
- EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated the proposal balances humanitarian aid with "Ukraine's evolving defence needs," responding to requests from Kyiv to bolster its armed forces after years of war.
- Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty criticized the measure, warning against "mounting pressure to prematurely end temporary protection" and emphasizing current conditions "does not meet the conditions for a safe and dignified return."
- Existing beneficiaries retain their status regardless of age, but the proposal requires approval by a qualified majority of 15 of 27 EU member states to enter force within weeks.
- The Commission also proposed a voluntary return program to support Ukrainians choosing to head home, while Denmark recently implemented similar restrictions on military-age men outside the EU scheme.
95 Articles
95 Articles
Russia and Ukraine are fighting not only on the front, but also for new soldiers. While Moscow seems to be preparing for mass mobilization, Kiev is intensifying pressure on men in need of military service abroad – and is asking the EU for support. Brussels wants to respond to the request.
As rumors have been going on for weeks now, the Community Executive has decided to leave out the protection scheme for Ukrainians who arrive from now on and who are of combatable age or who have not received the consent of the perpetrators.
This status, granted to Ukrainians since the start of the war in 2022, allows refugees to obtain a right of residence in one of the EU states. Source link: https://www.nouvelobs.com/monde/20260626.OBS116161/l-ue-veut-desormais-refuser-le-statut-de-refugies-aux-hommes-ukrainiens-en-age-de-combattre.html Author: Service Actu Publish date: 2026-06-26 13:45:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
Brussels Wants To Close the Door on Military-Age Ukrainians
The European Commission has proposed extending the temporary protection regime granted to displaced Ukrainians until March 2028, but with a politically explosive change: newly arriving Ukrainian men of military age who do not have authorization to leave their country would be excluded from that automatic protection. For now, the restriction would not affect those already covered by the European system. But it would change the entry route for a v…
EU Proposes Extending Protection for Ukrainians Until 2028, With Limits for Military-Age Men
Under the proposal, newly arriving Ukrainian men of military age without authorisation to leave Ukraine would generally no longer qualify for protection, while existing beneficiaries would retain their status.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
