EU Proposes Ukraine Refugee Extension

The European Commission on Friday proposed extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in the European Union by another year, until March 2028.

The proposal also includes a significant change in response to requests from Kyiv. Under the plan, Ukrainian men of military age who arrive in the EU without official permission from the Ukrainian authorities to leave the country would no longer be eligible for temporary protection.

European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said the measure is intended to balance the humanitarian needs of refugees with Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

The Temporary Protection Directive, originally due to expire in March 2027, grants refugees the right to reside in the EU, access social benefits and enter the labor market. More than 4.33 million people currently benefit from the scheme.

The proposed restrictions drew criticism from Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, who warned against weakening protections for Ukrainians.

He urged European governments not to adopt measures that could force refugees to return prematurely or involuntarily to a country still at war.

"The current realities on the ground in Ukraine do not meet the conditions for a safe and dignified return", O'Flaherty said, adding that Europe should show greater solidarity, not less.

(reuters, max)