EU extends protection for Ukrainians until March 2028, adds military-age exemption

The European Commission proposed on Friday to keep temporary protection for Ukrainians in place until March 4, 2028, giving more than 4.33 million people another year under the EU’s streamlined shelter regime instead of pushing them into national asylum systems. The move would extend the current March 4, 2027 deadline and keep in place fast access to residence, work, schooling and public services for people who fled Russia’s invasion.

The proposal also tightens access for newly arriving men of military age. Under the draft, they would not qualify for protection unless Ukrainian authorities authorize them to leave. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the proposal balances Europe’s humanitarian duties and Ukraine’s need to keep enough men available for defense. Brunner said Kyiv itself had asked for the exemption.

Eurostat said 4.33 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine were under temporary protection in the EU on March 31, 2026. Germany hosted 1,274,955 beneficiaries, Poland 961,405 and Czechia 379,820.

Temporary protection was first activated unanimously by the Council of the European Union on March 4, 2022, in the opening days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. It has already been extended before, including a one-year prolongation supported by EU governments in June 2025. The Commission’s 2025 transition plan set out possible longer-term paths for Ukrainians in Europe, including residence based on employment, education, research and long-term residence, along with exploratory visits to Ukraine for people considering return.

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty warned on Thursday against winding down protection and assistance too quickly, while Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell said there was strong support among EU home affairs ministers for excluding fighting-age men from the scheme. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov has argued that refugees should make a conscious, desired choice about returning home.