Brussels seeks extension until March 2028 of protection for Ukrainian refugees; first applications from men of military age excluded

The European Commission has presented a proposal to extend by another year, until March 2028, the special protection status granted to Ukrainian refugees in European Union member states after the start of the war with Russia.

Under this proposal, the measure would not apply to men of military age submitting a protection request for the first time.

At present, this regime covers more than 4.4 million Ukrainians who have fled their country since the outbreak of the conflict. Thanks to this status, they are able to live, work and receive social support in EU countries. Most of them are in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Initially introduced in March 2022, the protection system has been extended every year. This is the fifth time Brussels has proposed renewing it, at a time when the war is still ongoing and there is no clear solution in sight.

“As long as the war continues, our support must continue,” said European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner, underscoring the European Union’s commitment to displaced Ukrainian citizens.

Meanwhile, in some EU member states, signs of fatigue are emerging over the costs and consequences of a prolonged conflict, reopening discussions about the future of this protection mechanism. Over the past year, Brussels began talks on a longer-term solution, including the possibility of making the status permanent for those who remain in Europe, as well as preparing for gradual returns to Ukraine.

One of the proposed changes stipulates that men of military age applying for protection for the first time would have their requests denied, a step that has sparked debate over how this category is being treated.

Magnus Brunner has denied claims of discrimination, saying the measure does not constitute unfair treatment. “It is something the Ukrainians asked us to do,” he said at a press conference in Brussels.

Discussion over the future of Ukrainian refugees in the European Union is expected to continue in the coming months, as member states face the management of one of the biggest humanitarian crises in Europe.