EU countries have agreed to extend temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine for another year—until March 2028—but have imposed restrictions on granting it to new applicants who are subject to military service.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in Brussels, according to the EU Council’s press service.
“Today, EU countries agreed to extend the temporary protection status granted to refugees from Ukraine until March 4, 2028, fulfilling the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. Extending protection for another year will provide clarity and predictability for all those fleeing the war,” the statement said.
At the same time, “recognizing both the need to protect displaced persons and Ukraine’s need to defend itself against Russia’s illegal war, EU countries agreed that temporary protection should be granted only to those who fulfill their military obligations in Ukraine.”
The press release notes that, “given Ukraine’s evolving defense needs, temporary protection will henceforth be granted only to those who are fulfilling their military obligations in Ukraine,” but this restriction will apply only to new applicants for temporary protection. “It will not apply to those who are already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU,” the press release explains.
The statement also clarifies that, in practice, to obtain temporary protection, individuals displaced from Ukraine will have to prove that they have fulfilled their military obligations. “ “For example, this can be done by presenting a passport with an exit stamp issued by the Ukrainian authorities, which confirms that they legally left Ukraine and, therefore, have fulfilled their military obligations. It can also be done by presenting a document, in paper or electronic format, confirming discharge from military service or the fulfillment of military obligations,” the statement notes.
Temporary protection has currently been extended until March 4, 2027, and since March 2022, more than 4 million displaced persons from Ukraine have been receiving protection in the EU.
Commenting on the decision, Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration and current EU Presidency holder, said: “We remain unwavering in our support for Ukraine against Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Today, we decided to extend the protection status we provide to those fleeing the war for another year, until March 2028. This provides stability for those who have found safety in the EU. The message is clear: we continue to support Ukraine. And as part of our support, we also want to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself. That is why our temporary protection scheme takes into account Ukraine’s legitimate needs.”
The Council of the EU will formally adopt the decision to extend temporary protection in the coming weeks. The decision will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and will enter into force the following day.
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