The European Commission has proposed denying temporary protection status to newly arriving Ukrainian refugees who are eligible for military service, according to EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.
Brunner said the proposal would apply only to future arrivals who are not permitted to leave Ukraine, stressing that the status of Ukrainians already living in the European Union would remain unchanged. He added that the proposal was made at Ukraine's request and said Brussels saw no human rights concerns.
The measure, the first of its kind, now requires approval from the EU Council. Germany and Poland are among the countries backing the initiative following preliminary discussions earlier this month.
The Commission also recommended extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2028 while launching a voluntary return program.
Around 4.4 million Ukrainian refugees currently benefit from temporary protection across the EU, with nearly half residing in Germany and Poland. The scheme, introduced in March 2022, grants Ukrainians the right to live, work, study and access social benefits across the bloc without visas or residence permits.
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