The European Union has implemented new conditions for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians. These changes specifically affect new applicants who have military obligations under Ukrainian law.
European Union / © Associated Press
New rules for temporary protection for Ukrainians have come into effect within the European Union. These rules are for first-time applicants who are subject to military service obligations according to Ukrainian legislation.
The decision from the Council of the EU has been officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The document also mandates the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians for an additional year, extending it until March 4, 2028.
Temporary protection may now be denied to individuals who are not fulfilling their military duties as stipulated by Ukrainian law and consequently lack permission from Ukrainian authorities to leave the country.
To obtain this status, EU member states may request documentation or other evidence confirming the legality of departure from Ukraine and compliance with military obligations. The Council of the EU provided examples such as a stamp of legal border crossing in a passport or a paper or electronic document demonstrating exemption from relevant duties.
These new requirements will only apply to individuals applying for temporary protection after the decision takes effect. Ukrainians who already possess this status in EU countries and have been continuously benefiting from it will not be affected by these changes.
The Council of the EU explained that the introduction of these measures is intended to simultaneously support displaced persons and acknowledge Ukraine’s defense needs. Furthermore, the extension of temporary protection until March 4, 2028, will commence its application from March 5, 2027.
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In the United States, Ukrainians with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) faced the potential loss of their work authorization on July 22 due to new legislative initiatives. However, a court in Massachusetts has temporarily halted the implementation of this decision pending a final verdict expected on August 5.
The TPS program for Ukrainians itself is valid until October 19, with a decision on its potential extension due by mid-August.
Meanwhile, in the Swiss canton of Zurich, proposals have been made to modify the social support rules for Ukrainians with S status. The suggestion is to keep them under a special payment system rather than transitioning them to standard social assistance, even after five years of residency in the country.
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