EU proposes extending temporary protection to 2028 with restrictions for men
Ukraine
In short. The European Commission proposes extending temporary protection until March 4, 2028, but newly arrived military-liable men without exit permission will not receive it.
- Temporary protection in the EU is proposed to be extended until March 4, 2028.
- Newly arrived military-liable individuals without exit permission will not receive protection.
- Men who already have temporary protection status will retain it.
- The rules remain unchanged for women, children, and the elderly.
- The new rules will take effect after approval by the Council of the EU.
On June 26, 2026, the European Commission officially proposed extending the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. At the same time, a new restriction is proposed: the status will no longer be granted automatically to newly arrived military-liable individuals who do not have legal permission to leave Ukraine.
What has changed
The current temporary protection regime is valid until March 4, 2027. Given the ongoing war, the European Commission proposed extending it for another year. However, at the request of the Ukrainian side and after consultations with EU member states, a targeted adjustment regarding military-liable individuals was introduced to the rules.
| Parameter | Current rules | Proposed rules (after approval) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection validity period | Until March 4, 2027 | Until March 4, 2028 |
| Newly arrived military-liable individuals | Receive protection automatically | Will not receive protection without documentary proof of legal exit |
| Individuals who already have protection | Status is valid until March 2027 | Status will be extended until March 2028 |
Who is affected
The changes primarily affect newly arrived citizens of Ukraine. If a military-liable individual arrives in the EU after the new rules take effect, to receive temporary protection, they will have to provide documentary proof that they had the legal right to leave Ukraine (for example, an appropriate permit from Ukrainian authorities).
Important: Ukrainians (including draft-age men) who are already in EU countries and have a valid temporary protection status will not lose it. Their status will be automatically extended until 2028. For women, children, and individuals not subject to military duty, the procedure for granting protection remains unchanged.
What to do now
- Follow official decisions: Currently, this is an official proposal by the European Commission. It will take effect only after voting and approval by the Council of the EU.
- Keep existing documents: If you already have a residence permit under temporary protection status, you do not need to do anything until the official announcement of the extension procedure in your host country.
- Prepare proof of legal exit: Newly arrived military-liable individuals should have all documents confirming the legality of crossing the Ukrainian border.
Common mistakes
- "All men will be stripped of protection and deported." This is not true. The restriction applies exclusively to newly arrived individuals without legal permission to leave. Those who have already received protection will retain it.
- "The new rules are already in effect." No, as of early July 2026, this is only a proposal by the European Commission awaiting approval by the Council of the EU.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Until what year is temporary protection in the EU planned to be extended?
- The European Commission has proposed extending the Temporary Protection Directive until March 4, 2028.
- Will protection be canceled for men who are already in the EU?
- No. Men who have already received temporary protection status before the new rules take effect will retain it, and it will be extended.
- Who exactly is affected by the new restrictions?
- The restrictions will apply to newly arrived military-liable individuals who do not have legal permission from the Ukrainian authorities to leave the country.