EU Will Not Grant Temporary Protection to Ukrainian Refugees Who Have Not Completed Military Service

The European Union (EU) will grant asylum to Ukrainian citizens of military age only if they have fulfilled their military service obligations, starting from March 2027. According to an official statement by the EU Council, this decision was made taking into account Ukraine's changing defense needs.

Taking into account Ukraine's changing defense needs, from now on, temporary protection status will only be granted to individuals who have fulfilled their military service obligations in Ukraine.

This new decision will not affect Ukrainians who are already benefiting from temporary protection status in EU countries, but will only apply to new applications made after March 2027. Under the new rules, individuals who apply for asylum in EU countries after March 2027 will need to prove that they have completed their military service. The EU Council has also decided to extend the temporary protection mechanism for existing Ukrainian refugees by one year, until March 4, 2028. Irish Justice, Equality and Immigration Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated, "Extending the protection period by one year will provide clarity and predictability for all people who have been forced to leave Ukraine." The temporary protection mechanism was introduced across the EU in March 2022. As of May 31, 2026, approximately 4.38 million people have benefited from this status, which grants refugees the right to reside in EU countries, access to the labor market, medical assistance, education, and social support.