EU ambassadors agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians, but with an exception

Ambassadors from European Union member states have agreed to extend the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian citizens in EU countries for another year—until March 4, 2028. 

The decision includes an important change: newly arrived Ukrainian citizens subject to military service will no longer be eligible for temporary protection status. The only exceptions will be those who can officially prove that they have no issues in this regard and did not flee military service.

The approval of this decision at the level of EU ambassadors is an intermediate step in the overall procedure. Official adoption and final approval of the decision are expected later in July.

This was reported by the press service of the Council of the European Union, according to “European Truth.”

On July 15, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (Coreper) considered extending the directive on temporary protection for Ukrainians who have fled due to the war for another year—until March 4, 2028.

As a reminder, the European Commission may introduce new requirements for Ukrainian citizens applying for temporary protection. 

Estonia plans to change the rules on temporary protection for Ukrainians.