Military-age Ukrainian men could lose EU protection

The European Commission has proposed changes to the temporary protection status for Ukrainians, which could impact men of conscription age. The proposal suggests that newly arriving individuals who are not permitted to leave Ukraine due to their military obligations might not be granted temporary protection.

Magnus Brunner, the European commissioner for internal affairs and migration, announced the proposed changes on Friday. He stated that the temporary protection status for Ukrainians should remain in place, but new conditions could apply. This status, granted since March 2022 to Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, is set to expire in March 2027 and requires extension. Unlike asylum, temporary protection is not subject to individual case-by-case review.

“

Our proposal provides that temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving persons who are not allowed to leave Ukraine because of their military obligations.

While the proposal is formulated in gender-neutral terms, it is expected to primarily affect men between the ages of 23 and 60. These updates would only take effect after official approval and publication by the Council of Europe. According to Eurostat, as of March 31, 4.33 million Ukrainians were living in the EU under temporary protection. Germany hosts the largest number, followed by Poland and the Czech Republic. Adult males constitute slightly more than one-quarter of this population.

“

Now is the time for 'more solidarity, not less.'

Michael O'Flaherty, commissioner for human rights at the Council of Europe, criticized the proposal, expressing concern over pressure to end temporary protection arrangements prematurely and limit access for military-age males. He emphasized that this is a time for "more solidarity, not less."

The EU justified the proposal by stating that Ukraine had requested the move, citing Kyiv's legitimate need to enforce military obligations for self-defense. Brunner confirmed the proposal was coordinated with EU member states. During discussions at the EU interior ministers' meeting, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt supported removing protection status for military-age Ukrainian males, suggesting they should be allowed to apply for asylum. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner also strongly supported ending automatic protection for these individuals.

“

very strongly