The EU may stop providing protection to Ukrainian men of military age - media

EU countries are considering excluding newly arrived Ukrainian men of military age from the program to provide temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees.

This program was introduced after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Previously, the EU Council extended until March 4, 2027 the validity of this protection scheme for Ukrainian refugees located on the territory of the union. At the same time, the Council recommended that the bloc countries prepare for a “ coordinated exit from temporary protection .”

Euractiv reports that among the options being considered by EU countries is extending the duration of the temporary protection scheme while narrowing the circle of persons to whom it applies.

In particular, this can be done through the “ exclusion of men of military age” and people who left Ukraine illegally during martial law.

These restrictions are expected to apply to new applicants seeking temporary protected status.