Interior ministers of European Union countries plan to hold a meeting of the EU Council on Justice and Home Affairs on June 4, during which they will discuss the issue of further extending temporary protection for Ukrainians.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion on Future Protection for Ukrainians in the EU
According to European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammerth, consultations are currently ongoing between the Commission and member states regarding the future mechanism of temporary protection provided to Ukrainians. Special attention is being paid to the prospects of this mechanism’s operation after March 2027. Another discussion on this topic is expected to take place on Thursday.
“I cannot say more at this stage regarding any plans or proposals that we might present,” said Lammerth.
The spokesperson also refrained from commenting on possible changes to the rules of temporary protection, particularly concerning potential restrictions for Ukrainian men subject to mobilization.
Possible Changes to Temporary Protection Rules
According to Euractiv, citing an internal EU Council document, there are currently proposals for revising the temporary protection mechanism. In particular, the issue of limiting its application to certain categories of Ukrainian citizens is being considered. Among the options is the exclusion of men of conscription age or individuals who left Ukraine in violation of existing rules. Sources indicate that such restrictions may only apply to new applicants for temporary protection status.
As Lammerth emphasized, the European Union continues to support Ukraine by providing shelter to about four million refugees under the temporary protection directive over the past two years. Currently, this mechanism is in effect until spring next year, and discussions on further steps will continue with an eye toward the period after March 2027.
In response to a query regarding the possible adoption of a decision during the meeting on June 4, the European Council noted that no final decisions would be made this time.
The temporary protection directive was introduced following the onset of Russia’s full-scale aggression in 2022. It allows Ukrainian citizens to live and work in EU countries without going through the standard refugee status application process. At present, the mechanism is in effect until March 2027.
As of March 2026, 4.33 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection status in European Union countries. The largest number of refugees has been accepted by Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.