On 15 July, the countries of the European Union agreed to extend temporary protection for people who have fled Ukraine due to the war until 4 March 2028. The Council of the EU stated that new applicants must provide evidence of having performed military service in Ukraine. As of 31 May, 4.38 million people were benefiting from such protection in the EU.
Briefly about the main points
- Protection for displaced persons from Ukraine will be extended until 4 March 2028.
- The decision was agreed by the countries of the European Union on 15 July.
- New applicants will be required to provide evidence of having fulfilled their military service obligations.
- For those who already have cover, the restriction will not apply.
- A formal decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The decision has yet to be formally approved
The current term of the mechanism was due to expire on 4 March 2027. The agreed extension adds a further year — until 4 March 2028.
The Council of the EU is expected to formally adopt the decision in the coming weeks. Once published in the Official Journal of the EU, it will enter into force the following day.
Conditions for new applicants
In future temporary protection will be granted only to those who have fulfilled their military service in Ukraine. This restriction will apply only to those who submit a new application for protection.
As an example of supporting evidence, the Council of the EU cited a passport bearing a stamp from the Ukrainian authorities confirming lawful departure. It will also be possible to submit a paper or electronic document confirming exemption from military service or proof of having completed it.
People who are already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU will not be affected by the new rule.
What rights does temporary protection confer?
The mechanism provides for immediate collective protection for a large group of displaced persons arriving in the EU who are unable to return to their country of origin. It was activated for people from Ukraine in March 2022 — for the first time since the relevant EU directive was adopted in 2001.
This status guarantees equal rights across EU countries, including the right of residence, access to work and housing, healthcare and social assistance, as well as education for children.
The EU is preparing for a transition to other statuses
In September 2025, the Council of the EU agreed on a gradual and coordinated approach to the end of the temporary protection regime, once conditions in Ukraine allow it. It provides for the possibility of transitioning to long-term legal status on the basis of employment, education or family circumstances — for those who meet the requirements.
The approach also includes measures to facilitate sustainable return and reintegration in Ukraine once conditions allow. Extending protection until 2028 also provides people already in the EU with a longer period of legal certainty.
