European Union member state ambassadors reached an agreement on Wednesday to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 2028. This emergency protection framework, originally triggered following Russia’s 2022 invasion, grants beneficiaries the right to live, work, and access social benefits across the 27-nation bloc.
However, the extension includes a significant change requested by the Ukrainian government to bolster its domestic recruitment efforts. Moving forward, the protection will not be granted to new applicants who are subject to the military draft. Under current Ukrainian wartime regulations, men between the ages of 23 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.
Addressing the policy shift, the EU stated, "Taking into account Ukraine's evolving defence needs, going forward temporary protection will be granted only to those who satisfy their military obligations in Ukraine." Officials clarified that this new limitation is strictly for future applicants and will not retroactively affect the status of those already living in the EU under the current arrangement.
There are currently approximately 4.4 million Ukrainians residing in the EU with temporary protection status. Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic remain the largest host countries. According to recent EU data, adult men represent about 27 percent of the total population currently covered by this status, while women account for 43 percent and minors comprise 30 percent. Looking ahead, the EU indicated last year that it intends to transition away from this emergency system, focusing instead on providing pathways for long-term residency or supporting those who wish to return to Ukraine as conditions permit.
