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[POLITICS] · Germany, Slovakia · 13 sources

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EU tightens protection rules for Ukrainian men of conscription age

The European Union Council approved a new regulation that ends the simplified admission procedure for able‑bodied Ukrainian men fleeing the war. The rule applies to men aged 23 to 60 who have not served in the Ukrainian armed forces or received a health exemption. Only those who can prove they have completed military service or have been officially exempted will be eligible for the simplified protection scheme.

Exceptions are made for fathers of at least three minor children and for men who are exempted on health grounds. Affected men will still be able to apply for asylum, but their chances of obtaining protection or a residence permit are expected to be significantly reduced. The regulation will be published in the EU Official Journal (EU‑Amtsblatt) and will take effect the day after publication.

Around 4.4 million Ukrainians have already been granted temporary protection in the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the country mobilises up to 34 000 men each month, while Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov says more than two million men are subject to conscription. The change follows a request from Ukraine and has the backing of several member states, notably Germany and Slovakia.

Entities

European Union · European Union Council · Germany · Magnus Brunner · Mykhailo Fedorov · Ukrainian men (age 23‑60) · Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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