Media: EU considers limiting protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age

Several European Union countries are proposing to restrict access to temporary protection programs for Ukrainian men of military service age.

The status of Ukrainian citizens will be discussed at the political level on June 4 by EU ministers for European affairs, POLITICO reports, citing three EU diplomats.

Ukrainian refugees are currently covered by the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive, which grants them the right to live, work, and study across the bloc. The scheme, most recently extended in June 2025, is set to expire in March 2027.

When asked whether such a measure could be considered, one diplomat cautioned: “I cannot pre-empt this discussion and it’s important to hear the Commission’s assessment as well.”

A senior diplomat noted that “This will be more of a general discussion. We don’t expect any decisions to be taken.” Another source said that ministers are expected to give political guidance to the European Commission as it evaluates possible options for the future of the temporary protection framework.

According to POLITICO, Cyprus, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU and hosts the highest proportion of Ukrainian refugees relative to its population, initiated the early start of discussions.

Sources noted that a decision on extending the program is not expected before July, while the European Commission is likely to present its formal proposal in the coming weeks.

By Jeyhun Aghazada