EU Commission chief von der Leyen proposes restricting temporary protection for Ukrainian men of fighting age

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has written to EU member states proposing to extend the temporary protection regime for Ukrainian refugees while narrowing its scope. The draft would limit access for Ukrainian men of military age – roughly 23 to 60 years old – to prevent the loss of potential combatants for Kyiv’s war effort.

The current protection, granted after the war began in March 2022, allows refugees to stay, work, receive health care and social benefits and is set to expire in March 2027. About 4.3 million Ukrainians, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, are covered. Von der Leyen said the EU will "provide the necessary protection to Ukrainian citizens for as long as possible, while also supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression". The proposal will be discussed ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, with some member states already supporting limits on able‑bodied men.

If adopted, the changes would apply primarily to new arrivals, leaving those already under protection unaffected.