EU to extend Ukrainian refugee protection, limit access for men of fighting age
The European Commission wants to extend the EU's temporary protection scheme for Ukrainians by another year, to March 2028, while also limiting access for men of military age who arrive after the new rules take effect.
EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner makes a press statement in Brussels on Friday.Photo: EPA/Olivier Hoslet
Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the move aims to balance protection needs with Ukraine's capacity to defend itself, adding that Kyiv itself had asked for the exemption.
He stressed it would not affect Ukrainians already in the EU.
Ukraine's conscription rules cover men aged 23 to 60.
The plan still needs unanimous approval from member states.
Currently, 4.4 million Ukrainians have temporary protection – mostly women aged 35-64.
Brunner also floated a longer-term solution to replace the yearly renewals and announced a new voluntary-return scheme for Ukrainians wanting to go home.
Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Michael O'Flaherty warned the move risked leaving millions of displaced Ukrainians with a "protection gap", adding that conditions in Ukraine still do not allow for safe, dignified returns.
An EU official countered that it simply follows Ukraine's own conscription law and does not block other protection routes, like asylum.
Poland has already tightened its own rules.
Since March, Ukrainians must apply for a Polish PESEL number, a national ID needed to access public services, within 30 days of arrival or risk losing protection.
Those who received one without verifying their documents must update their records by the end of August.
(ał)
Source: PAP, Reuters