Why Ukrainians face temporary-protection rejection in EU countries
Reports from multiple European countries show growing numbers of Ukrainian applicants being turned down for temporary protection. The trigger is the updated enforcement of rules tied to the Reserve+ military-status app, particularly after the EU decided to keep temporary protection in place through March 4, 2028, and introduced fresh conditions for people who are subject to military registration. The most visible problems are in Czechia, Spain, Poland, Belgium and Romania, where applicants say they are blocked by requirements around their Reserve+ status, the absence of border-stamp documents, and proof of legal entry.
What the new rules require
In Czechia, the authorities issue temporary protection only to men who have been fully removed from the military registry. For men aged 23 to 60, having a deferral or being struck off the registry is not enough to qualify; for ages 18 to 22, however, a reserve status shown in the app is accepted. A social-media user explains:
“Czechia grants protection only to men removed from the registry. Deferment or deregistration does not matter.”
Spain and Poland also have barriers. In Madrid, holding a valid deferment in Reserve+ does not satisfy the requirement for temporary protection. According to one applicant,
“the status must show that you are not a conscript or are exempt from military duty.”Poland is reported to be similar, with border officials not adding stamps that authorities now request. A user reports:
“In Poland, everyone is suddenly asking for stamps that are not put in at the border.”
Romania has suspended the issuing of temporary protection as of July 31, 2026, but no one has been deported so far; instead, applicants are being redirected to the asylum process. A commentator writes:
“They stopped issuing temporary protection in Europe on 07/31/2026, but no one has been deported from Romania yet — everyone is being filed for asylum.”Belgium is facing similar problems to Poland.
Even women are reporting denials, according to the same social-media discussions. One message says:
“We heard that Reserve status is definitely required. But some people write that they are not issuing it at all right now, even if you have Reserve.”
The new rules do not explicitly state that the refusals apply only to men of draft age, and some women are also considered liable for military service.
The current situation shows how the latest requirements, applied unevenly across EU states, are complicating access to temporary protection and creating greater uncertainty for Ukrainian refugees. Unless national authorities make their application process more predictable, more applicants could be left in limbo and pressure on asylum systems could increase.
The evolving situation regarding temporary protection for Ukrainians in EU countries highlights significant barriers, particularly in Czechia, where eligibility criteria have tightened. As various states adapt their policies, understanding the nuances of these regulations is crucial for applicants navigating the complexities of military registration and residency requirements.