Temporary Protection for Ukrainians After 2027: What Are the EU’s Plans?

The European Commission plans to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians, but the terms may change. Find out what restrictions are being discussed in the EU, exactly who they will affect, and when a decision might be made

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted in a letter to EU leaders that extending temporary protection for Ukrainians should not “undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.” Spiegel reports on this.

The publication interprets this wording as a signal that entry rules and the process for obtaining protection for men of draft age may become more restrictive. However, it is important to understand that there is currently neither a specific mechanism for implementing such restrictions nor a final decision — only a discussion that is gaining momentum.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians is planned to be extended beyond 2027, as the war continues. But the conditions for granting it may change significantly — and this is precisely what is becoming the subject of intense negotiations among member states.

Read also: Is Ukraine asking Europe to revoke protection for men subject to military conscription? The EU has made an important statement.

What exactly might be restricted?

In early June, the issue of revising the protection rules was already raised at a meeting of EU interior ministers. At that time, Germany and several other countries openly advocated for revising the conditions for granting protection to Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60.

One of the options under discussion is the complete exclusion of this category of people from the temporary protection scheme. However, even if such a decision is adopted, it will apply exclusively to new applicants. Men who have already received temporary protection in EU countries and are residing there will not be subject to the new rules.

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The positions of EU countries: who is for the restrictions, and who is against them?

There is no consensus among EU member states on this issue. Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Poland support restricting entry for men of conscription age.

Slovakia, on the other hand, advocates maintaining temporary protection under the current rules without any changes.

What majority is required to pass the decision?

For the changes to take effect, a qualified majority of EU member states must vote in favor. This means support from at least 15 countries representing no less than 65% of the EU’s population. That is why the stance of the major countries — Germany, Poland, and France — will be decisive for the final outcome of the vote.

Tip: If you’re planning to travel abroad or are already in an EU country — don’t forget to get health insurance. You can do this online through Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! Ukraine and the EU are negotiating financial support for Ukrainians who decide to return home. Read what is known about possible payments, who will fund them, and what conditions for return to expect in the coming months.

Photo: splitov27 / Freepik

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