EU ministers have broadly supported a proposal to restrict temporary protection access for Ukrainian men of military age, according to Sweden's migration minister. The European Union implemented the Temporary Protection Directive following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine to manage the influx of displaced persons.
The directive, which has been extended three times and is currently set to expire in March 2027, provides beneficiaries with residence permits, employment access, and social welfare benefits. The discussion on potential limitations took place during a Justice and Home Affairs meeting in Luxembourg.
Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated that his country favors the proposal, emphasizing that any restrictions should only affect new arrivals applying for temporary protection status and not those already registered under the current scheme. He explained, "It is essential for us to provide Ukrainians with protection, but at the same time the war needs to be fought and won. For that to happen, it is essential that more men stay in Ukraine and fight."
According to Eurostat data, over 4.33 million individuals who have fled Ukraine currently benefit from the directive. Germany hosts the largest population of Ukrainians under this scheme, accounting for approximately 29% of the EU total, followed by Poland and the Czech Republic.
Any extension or modification to the directive must be formally proposed by the European Commission and subsequently approved by EU member states.
