The European Commission proposed changes to the European Union's temporary protection scheme that would exclude Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who are not legally permitted to leave Ukraine because of military obligations. The proposal was presented alongside a plan to extend the temporary protection framework until March 2028.
The proposal follows discussions among European Union member states regarding the long-term management of temporary protection and Ukraine's military personnel requirements. Under Ukrainian martial law, most men aged 23 and older are prohibited from leaving the country unless they qualify for specific exemptions established under Ukrainian law.
According to the proposal, temporary protection would no longer be granted to individuals who are unable to legally leave Ukraine because of military obligations. Ukrainian legislation provides exemptions for certain categories, including people with disabilities, individuals declared unfit for military service, fathers of three or more children under the age of 18, and full-time caregivers for seriously ill relatives.
European Union officials stated that individuals who have already received temporary protection would retain their status regardless of age. The proposed changes would apply to future eligibility decisions if approved.
The temporary protection mechanism was established by the European Union following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The program has enabled more than four million displaced Ukrainians to live and work in European Union member states without completing the standard asylum process.
The proposal requires approval by a qualified majority of European Union member states, requiring support from at least 15 of the 27 countries representing at least 65 percent of the European Union population. The European Commission also proposed a voluntary return program to assist Ukrainians who choose to return to their country.
