New rules for obtaining temporary protection have come into effect in the European Union countries, according to which Ukrainians subject to military service will be able to obtain status only if they have documents confirming their completion or exemption from military service. Who do the new rules apply to?
New rules for obtaining temporary protection have come into effect in the European Union countries, according to which Ukrainians subject to military service will be able to obtain status only if they have documents confirming their completion or exemption from military service. Who do the new rules apply to?
This is stated in the official decision of the EU Council of August 5.
The new rule will apply exclusively to new applicants and will not apply to those citizens who already have a valid status in the bloc’s countries. At the same time, the general temporary protection regime for Ukrainians has been extended for another year — until March 4, 2028. As of May 2026, more than 4.38 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in the EU.
To confirm the right to receive protection in Europe, new applicants will need to provide a passport with an exit stamp from Ukrainian border guards confirming legal border crossing or a paper or electronic document confirming exemption from military service or performance thereof.
The EU Temporary Protection Mechanism was activated in March 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion. It grants displaced persons the right to residence, employment, health and social assistance, and access to education. In autumn 2025, the Council of the EU also adopted a plan for a gradual exit from this regime, which envisages the possibility of Ukrainians transitioning to long-term legal residence status on the basis of employment or study.
