EU member states are discussing the future of the bloc’s temporary protection scheme for Ukrainian refugees, with one option under consideration calling for men of military age to be excluded from future extensions, Euractiv reported, citing an internal Council of the EU document.

The Temporary Protection Directive was activated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and allows Ukrainians to live and work in EU countries without going through the standard asylum process. The scheme has been extended until 4 March 2027 and applies to more than four million people.

According to the document, some member states have noted a rising share of men of military age among new arrivals. They argue that possible restrictions could help Ukraine address labor shortages, strengthen its defense capacity and support post-war reconstruction. The document also discusses the possibility of excluding people who did not leave Ukraine lawfully.

Any changes would apply only to new applicants for temporary protection, not to people who have already received the status. The future of the system is expected to be discussed by EU interior and migration ministers, although any extension or modification would first require a proposal from the European Commission.

Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic host the largest numbers of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. Adult men currently account for about 26.6% of all temporary protection beneficiaries in the bloc.

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