European Commission: Ukrainians with EU protection will not lose it — restrictions would affect only new refugees arriving after March 2027

Ukrainians of military age who have already received temporary protection in European Union countries will not lose that status. If restrictions on Ukrainian men of military age are introduced, they will apply only to those who arrive after March 2027.

This was stated by Corinna Ullrich, a representative of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, as quoted by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

According to Ullrich, all EU member states agree on the need to extend the temporary protection program for Ukrainian refugees beyond March 2027.

The European Commission representative also confirmed that discussions are underway within the EU about the possible exclusion of Ukrainian men of military age from the protection program. However, she emphasized that this concerns exclusively new applicants, not those already under protection.

“Of course, we all strive for peace, but we must make plans based on alternative scenarios as well. At the same time, discussions are ongoing about possible changes to the rules regarding future arrivals. When we talk about such cases, we are not talking about extending the status of those already under protection, but specifically about new applicants… This would not affect those who already have temporary protection,” — Ullrich assured.

Poland, on the same day, expressed support for excluding Ukrainian men of military age from the EU temporary protection system.