The European Commission has proposed not granting temporary refugee protections to military-age Ukrainian men who are new arrivals in the EU, while extending the scheme for others until March 2028. This move aligns with Ukraine’s request to have men of conscription age return to support the war effort amid troop shortages. While those already in the EU will retain their protections, new arrivals eligible for military service will not be granted them, reflecting a desire to balance protection needs with Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

• The European Commission proposed excluding military-age Ukrainian men from temporary refugee protections.
• The scheme, which grants residence permits, work rights, and access to social services, would be extended for one year for all other Ukrainian refugees.
• Ukraine has requested the return of men of military age to address troop shortages.
• The proposed measure would only affect new arrivals, not those already in the EU.
• The Ukrainian authorities had previously barred most military-eligible men from leaving the country after the 2022 conflict escalation.