EC proposes extending protection for Ukrainians, excluding draft-age men

The European Commission (EC) has proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled the war until March 2028, while excluding newly arriving Ukrainian men of military age from the scheme.

According to Report's European bureau, the proposal would maintain legal protection for nearly 4.4 million Ukrainian citizens who have fled the war and found refuge in EU member states.

Brussels stressed that the security situation in Ukraine remains unstable, making continued protection necessary.

At the same time, the Commission endorsed a previously discussed initiative not to grant temporary protection to newly arriving Ukrainian men of conscription age, who have been prohibited by the Ukrainian authorities from leaving the country since martial law was imposed. The EC said the measure is intended to help preserve Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The proposal also calls on EU member states to step up preparations for a gradual transition from temporary protection to long-term residence permits and to strengthen mechanisms for the voluntary return of Ukrainians to their homeland.

To this end, the European Commission plans to launch a pilot voluntary return program in cooperation with EU member states and Ukraine.