EU Proposes Extending Protection for Ukrainians Until 2028 – But Not for Draft Evaders

The European Commission has proposed extending temporary protection for millions of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion until March 4, 2028, while excluding new arrivals who leave Ukraine despite being barred from doing so under the country’s military mobilization laws.

European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner announced the proposal on Friday, saying it balances continued support for Ukrainian refugees with Kyiv’s defense and reconstruction needs.

“We are presenting a proposal today to extend temporary protection for one more year – until March 4, 2028,” Brunner said at a press briefing in Brussels, according to AFP.

The proposal would deny temporary protection to people who newly arrive in the European Union after leaving Ukraine without authorization because they are subject to military service.

“Our proposal provides that temporary protection should not be granted to newly arriving persons who are not allowed to leave Ukraine due to their military obligations under Ukrainian law. This is what Ukraine asked us to do, and this is what we are doing,” Brunner said.

He said the measure was developed in close coordination with Ukrainian authorities and EU member states.

The extension is intended to provide stability for millions of Ukrainians who have settled across the bloc since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

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Brunner said many have found jobs, enrolled their children in schools, learned local languages, and started businesses, making them an integral part of their host communities.

The Temporary Protection Directive, activated in March 2022 for the first time in the EU’s history, grants Ukrainians the right to live, work, study, and access healthcare and social services across the bloc without going through the standard asylum process.

The directive is currently due to expire on March 4, 2027. The Commission’s proposal would extend it by another year, to March 2028.

The proposal must now be approved by the Council of the European Union. EU member states are expected to discuss the measure in July, although a final decision could slip until September.