Poland Supports Changes to Temporary Protection Rules for Ukrainians: What Is Being Discussed in the EU?

Poland supports revising the conditions for temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age in the EU, but opposes dividing Ukraine into “safe” regions. Find out what changes EU interior ministers are discussing and how they might affect Ukrainian refugees

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Poland officially supports revising the terms of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in European Union countries. In particular, Warsaw advocates changing the mechanism regarding men of conscription age. This was reported by the Polish news outlet RMF24.

According to journalists, this issue will be brought up for discussion by the EU interior ministers. The Polish side believes that Ukrainian men of draft age should not automatically receive temporary protection under the same conditions as other categories of Ukrainian citizens.

Read also: Has Poland begun deporting Ukrainians for traffic violations? Here’s what you need to know.

Poland opposes dividing Ukraine into “safe” and “unsafe” regions

At the same time, Warsaw has clearly distanced itself from another idea circulating in European discussions — the distribution of Ukrainians based on regional criteria. The Polish side does not support the concept under which people from relatively “safer” regions of Ukraine could receive a lesser level of protection.

Poland emphasizes that the entire territory of Ukraine remains under threat of Russian attacks, so any division into “safe” and “unsafe” regions is unfair and does not reflect the actual situation on the ground.

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What will happen to temporary protection after 2027

At the same time, broader discussions are underway in the EU regarding the future of the temporary protection system after 2027, when its current term expires. Among the options being considered are extending the mechanism until 2028 or a gradual transition for Ukrainians to national residence permits in EU countries.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, over 4 million Ukrainian citizens have been granted temporary protection status in the European Union. At the same time, the EU emphasizes that no decisions regarding the forced return of Ukrainians are currently being considered, and any potential changes will primarily affect new applicants—those who apply for protection after the updated rules take effect.

The situation regarding protection status for Ukrainians abroad is becoming increasingly complex, and it can be difficult to navigate its nuances on your own. If you have questions regarding migration status, residence permits, or the legal implications of potential changes—Visit Ukraine’s lawyers specializing in migration, visa support, and the protection of Ukrainians’ rights abroad are ready to provide personalized consultation.

We remind you! As of May 18, 2026, updated consular fee rates are in effect at the Embassy and Consulates of Ukraine in Poland. Read how much passport services, notarization, and marriage registration now cost, and who is exempt from payment.

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