EU extends temporary protection for Ukrainians to 2028, bars new draft‑age men from applying

The European Commission has proposed extending the EU's temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian nationals until 4 March 2028. The measure would continue to grant legal residence, work and education rights to roughly 4.4 million Ukrainians currently benefiting from the scheme, and requires unanimous approval by the Council of EU member states.

A new condition would prevent men of conscription age – defined as 23 to 60 years – who have left Ukraine illegally from submitting fresh applications. Those who already hold temporary protection would keep their status, and exemptions apply for fathers of large families, disabled persons and others not subject to mobilisation. The proposal also introduces a voluntary return and reintegration programme to facilitate the return of Ukrainians who wish to go back home.

The changes aim to align the EU protection framework with Ukrainian defence requirements and to provide legal certainty for refugees already in the bloc.