The European Commission has not confirmed reports that Ukrainian men of military age may be excluded from the temporary protection mechanism during its extension, DW reports, the Prompolitinform portal informs. Earlier, Euractiv reported on the consideration of such an issue.
The European Commission (EC) declined to confirm reports that Ukrainian men of military age could be excluded from the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) when it is renewed. Responding to questions during a briefing in Brussels on June 1, EC spokesperson Markus Lammert stated that support for Ukraine remains “unwavering” and reminded journalists that the European Union has provided shelter to approximately 4 million Ukrainians under the Temporary Protection Directive.
According to Lammert, the current temporary protection regime remains in force until March 2027. The Commission is currently discussing with EU member states what steps should follow after that date. The issue is expected to be discussed by EU interior ministers at their meeting on June 4. However, Lammert emphasized that no specific plans or proposals can be announced at this stage.
Euractiv: EU Considering Restricting Protection for Ukrainian Men
A few hours earlier, Euractiv reported that the possible exclusion of Ukrainian men of conscription age from the temporary protection scheme was being discussed. According to the publication, the proposal emerged during discussions on extending the TPD, which allows Ukrainians to live and work across Europe without applying through national asylum systems.
“As Russia’s war enters its fifth year, Ukraine faces growing labor shortages and military recruitment challenges. In 2024, Ukraine lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 and introduced measures to improve mobilization and military registration,” the article states.
According to an internal Council of the EU document reviewed by Euractiv, one option under discussion is extending temporary protection while narrowing its scope, including by excluding military-age men or individuals who left Ukraine illegally. Any such restrictions would apply only to new applicants seeking temporary protection.
As of March 2026, Euractiv reports that 4.33 million Ukrainians hold temporary protection status in the EU. The largest number, 1.27 million people, reside in Germany. Poland hosts 961,405 Ukrainians with protection status, while the Czech Republic hosts 379,820. Of the total, 43.3% are women, 30.1% are children, and 26.6% are adult men.
EU Considering One-Year Extension of Protection Status
Earlier, EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians Ilva Johansson told DW in an exclusive interview that she expects temporary protection to be extended for another year because Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.
“Given the current situation, I believe the European Commission will propose extending it for one more year — until March 2028. And I think the member states will agree,” she said.
Johansson also stressed that Ukrainians who are eligible for other legal grounds of residence in the EU should consider switching to those options, as temporary protection should not become a long-term solution. She added that EU countries should prepare for the possibility that many Ukrainians will remain for an extended period and create pathways for transitioning to other legal statuses.
Asked about possible restrictions for men of mobilization age, Johansson said the issue is being discussed among EU member states, but no consensus has yet been reached. According to her, the fact that men who are not legally allowed to leave Ukraine can obtain temporary protection in the EU after crossing the border sends a “mixed signal” to Kyiv. However, she emphasized that any restrictions, if introduced, would likely be “very limited.”
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