From 5 August, the European Union is applying new conditions for temporary protection for new applicants from Ukraine. Ukrainian men of conscription age must provide evidence that they have fulfilled their military service or have legitimate grounds for leaving the country; without such evidence, their application for status may be refused. These changes do not apply to people who already have valid protection.
Briefly about the main points
- The verification process for new applicants comes into effect on 5 August.
- Proof of lawful departure or of having fulfilled military service is required.
- A passport stamp, deferral or exemption may serve as proof.
- In the Czech Republic, «Reserve+» is used to verify military registration.
- Protection for Ukrainians in the EU has been extended until March 2028.
Who is affected by the new audit?
The EU Council’s decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 August and entered into force the following day. The requirement applies primarily to Ukrainian men of conscription age who are applying for temporary protection for the first time following this decision.
The EU’s legal wording refers to persons who do not perform military duties under Ukrainian law and who, as a result, do not have permission from the Ukrainian authorities to leave the country. The decision provides for a case-by-case assessment in accordance with EU law and fundamental rights, rather than an automatic refusal based solely on the applicant’s gender or age.
What evidence might EU countries require?
One possible form of proof is a foreign passport bearing a stamp from Ukrainian border guards confirming lawful border crossing. The applicant may also submit a paper or electronic document confirming exemption from military service, a deferral or compliance with the relevant requirements.
In the Czech Republic, it has been proposed that current military registration status be confirmed via the «Reserve+» app. According to the Czech Ministry of the Interior, this applies to both initial and renewal preparation of the defence, as well as applications for family reunification. Other states may establish their own list of supporting documents and verification procedures.
What do people with existing status retain?
Ukrainians who are already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU do not need to prove the legitimacy of their departure or that they have fulfilled their military service obligations in order to extend their current status. They retain the right to reside and work, as well as access to healthcare and social assistance, housing and education for their children.
At the same time, states may require timely registration and the continuous maintenance of status. In the Czech Republic, the exception applies to persons who had valid protection on the date the decision was taken and have not subsequently lost it.
The mechanism’s validity has been extended for a further year
The Council of the EU has extended the temporary protection scheme for people who have fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion until 4 March 2028. It was previously due to remain in force until March 2027. The scheme was introduced on 4 March 2022; it does not prevent individuals from applying separately for asylum or other forms of protection.
As of the end of May 2026, around 4.38 million people who had left Ukraine due to the war were receiving temporary protection in EU countries. Before submitting a new application, you should check the guidance provided by the immigration authorities in the specific country concerned, as the technical procedures vary.
