EU extends protection status for Ukrainian refugees until 2028

European Union member states have agreed to extend the temporary protection status granted to Ukrainians following Russia's invasion in February 2022 by one more year, until March 2028. This special status allows refugees to reside, work, and access various social benefits within the borders of the EU. However, as some member states exhibit growing impatience against the continuous prolongation of the crisis, Brussels has begun to introduce new steps, such as preparing for returns.

The most striking detail in this extension decision is the exclusion of military-age men from the status. The European Commission proposed for the first time that combat-age Ukrainian men applying for protection for the first time will not be able to benefit from this mechanism. Accordingly, individuals arriving in the EU will be required to possess documents issued by Ukrainian authorities proving that they have fulfilled their military duties or are exempt from military service.

Currently, more than 4.4 million Ukrainians benefit from this protection status, and the vast majority of these individuals live in Germany, Poland, and Czechia. The status requiring annual renewal forces EU countries to establish new policies and integration processes throughout the year. The decision is considered a significant turning point both in terms of Ukraine's military needs and Europe's migration policies.