- The European Union has decided to phase out temporary protection for new Ukrainian applicants, with new rules expected to take effect in March 2027. While the final details are still being finalized, it is already known that changes will affect future applicants rather than those who have already been granted protected status.
- Kyiv Requested Tougher Rules
- Poland Calls for Military-Age Men to Return
- Certification System
- New Choices for Future Applicants
The European Union has decided to phase out temporary protection for new Ukrainian applicants, with new rules expected to take effect in March 2027. While the final details are still being finalized, it is already known that changes will affect future applicants rather than those who have already been granted protected status.
According to reports citing Polish diplomatic sources, the updated EU Temporary Protection Directive is expected to be formally adopted in July. Individuals who have already received temporary protection will retain their status. However, those applying after the new rules enter into force will reportedly face additional requirements.
Under the proposed system, Ukrainian citizens who cannot present documentation confirming exemption from military mobilization would still be allowed to enter the EU but would no longer qualify for temporary protection. Without that status, they would not have automatic access to employment rights, accommodation assistance, or social benefits available under the temporary protection mechanism.
Kyiv Requested Tougher Rules
According to the reports, Ukraine itself requested changes to the current system, arguing that large numbers of military-age men have remained abroad while the country faces personnel shortages.
Poland has emerged as one of the strongest supporters of tightening the rules.
A Polish diplomat stated:
“In our opinion, there is no controversy in saying that people who do not have the legal right to leave Ukraine should not receive temporary protection in the EU.”
The diplomat added that such measures would strengthen cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities and would not violate humanitarian principles because those affected would simply be treated under the same immigration rules as other foreign nationals.
Poland Calls for Military-Age Men to Return
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has also taken a firm position.
Speaking about Ukrainian men of military age, he said:
“All young Ukrainians capable of fighting should be in Ukraine serving their homeland.”
According to the minister, the issue concerns both fairness and Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Some Polish opposition politicians have advocated even tougher measures. Members of the Confederation party and some representatives of Law and Justice (PiS) have argued that military-age Ukrainian men should be deported rather than simply excluded from temporary protection.
Certification System
The reported changes would effectively make Ukrainian authorities responsible for determining who qualifies for exemption from military service. Those decisions would influence whether applicants are eligible for temporary protection under the new EU framework.
Critics argue that, given Ukraine’s longstanding corruption problems, such a certification system could become vulnerable to abuse.
Ukrainian media have previously reported numerous cases involving fraudulent medical disability certificates and other documents allegedly used to avoid mobilization. One widely reported investigation in the Khmelnytskyi region involved dozens of prosecutors accused of participating in schemes related to fake disability certificates.
According to various media reports, forged exemption documents have been sold on the black market for prices ranging from $3,000 to $15,000.
Some observers now speculate that certificates confirming exemption from mobilization could become another commodity traded illegally.
New Choices for Future Applicants
If the new rules take effect as expected, Ukrainian men applying for temporary protection after March 2027 may face a significantly different legal situation.
Those unable to obtain exemption documentation could remain in Europe under general immigration rules but without the employment rights, housing support, and social benefits currently provided through the temporary protection mechanism. Others may choose to return to Ukraine despite the possibility of military mobilization.
