The European Union is preparing to review temporary protection rules for Ukrainians after March 2027. One of the most controversial issues has been the possible limitation of the privileged status for men of conscription age who are in EU countries. The relevant proposals are already being discussed at the level of European institutions and the governments of individual states. This is reported by InPoland.
Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU may be reviewed
Currently, the mechanism of temporary protection applies to millions of Ukrainians who fled to EU countries after the onset of full-scale war.
According to the publication, the European Commission supports the continuation of protection after March 2027, however, new rules may not apply to all categories of refugees.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to consider Ukraine's defense needs when shaping migration policy in her address to the leaders of member states.
«We will provide protection to Ukrainians as long as necessary, supporting Ukraine in its determination to defend itself against Russian aggression», – noted von der Leyen.
Men of conscription age may lose privileged status
One of the options being discussed at the EU level is the exclusion of Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 from the special protection mechanism.
This issue has been the subject of negotiations between Ukraine and European partners. Specifically, it was raised by President Volodymyr Zelensky during meetings with European leaders.
Poland has already expressed support for the idea of revising the conditions for the stay of men of conscription age. In addition, the Polish side advocates for the exclusion from the temporary protection system of individuals who illegally crossed the border.
How many Ukrainians are under protection in the EU
According to estimates from the European Union, approximately 4.4 million Ukrainian citizens are currently benefiting from temporary protection.
The largest number of Ukrainians live in:
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Germany – about 1.28 million people;
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Poland – about 971 thousand people;
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Czech Republic – about 384 thousand people.
According to the data presented in the material, more than 350 thousand Ukrainian men of conscription age are under protection in Germany, and about 270 thousand in Poland.
At the same time, no final decisions on changing the rules have been made yet. Discussions on the future mechanism of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU are ongoing.
It should be noted that in the Czech Republic they want to deny temporary protection to Ukrainians after 30 days of absence from the country.