EU Commission proposes extending Ukrainian temporary protection to 2028 while restricting new claims by conscription‑age

The European Commission has presented a proposal to extend the EU's temporary protection regime for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2028. At the same time, the draft seeks to deny new applications from Ukrainian men of conscription age who lack an exit permit, linking the protection scheme to Ukraine's military mobilisation.

The Commission notes that more than 4.4 million Ukrainians who fled the war are currently covered by the scheme, with the majority residing in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. EU migration commissioner Magda Brunner said, "As long as the war continues, our support must continue," adding that member states should prepare for longer‑term residence solutions and eventual voluntary returns when conditions allow.

The proposal also urges EU members to offer more stable legal status to refugees to avoid a legal vacuum when the temporary framework expires, and to develop tools for sustainable reintegration in Ukraine.