EU to bar Ukrainian men of fighting age from refugee protection

On 26 June, the European Commission proposed extending the temporary protection scheme for Ukrainian refugees in the EU until March 2028 while, for the first time, denying that status to men of fighting age. Under current Ukrainian law, men aged 25‑60 are prohibited from leaving the country, and those aged 23‑25 in the reserve are also restricted. The scheme, launched in March 2022, currently covers more than 4 million Ukrainians in the EU and allows automatic residence rights, housing, social aid, education, work access and medical assistance. UNHCR figures as of 30 April 2026 record 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe, mainly in Germany (1.2 million), Poland (987 000) and the Czech Republic (384 000). Migration commissioner Magnus Brunner said the change reflects Ukraine’s request, while Council of Europe human‑rights commissioner Michael O’Flaherty warned that removing protection could leave millions in legal uncertainty and poverty.