BRUSSELS, June 17 (V7N)— The European Union plans to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees for another year, but with possible restrictions for men of military age, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday.
The EU granted Ukrainians temporary protection after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The measure has been renewed several times and is currently set to expire in March 2027.
More than 4.3 million Ukrainians currently benefit from the scheme, which provides residence permits, work rights, and access to medical care, social welfare, and education.
In a letter to EU leaders ahead of this week’s Brussels summit, von der Leyen said the bloc will “offer protection to Ukrainians as long as needed” — but with limits. “The Commission will propose to prolong the temporary protection to people fleeing the war in Ukraine, while limiting its scope to ensure that any further extension would not undermine the legitimate ability of Ukraine to defend itself,” she wrote.
The move follows pressure from some member states to exclude men of conscription age, who are barred from leaving Ukraine. It is not yet clear whether any restriction would apply only to new arrivals or also to men already living in the EU.
Ukraine’s military has faced severe manpower shortages after more than four years of war, with few volunteering to enlist. Mobilization remains unpopular, and aggressive conscription efforts have sparked discontent.
EU data shows adult men make up about 27% of Ukrainians under EU protection, while women account for 43% and minors 30%. Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic host the largest communities.
Last year, the Commission said for the first time that the protection regime would eventually end, urging member states to prepare for a transition out of the system.
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