Visit Ukraine – Germany calls on EU to restrict entry of Ukrainian men: details of the statement

In Germany, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder called on the European Union to restrict the entry of young Ukrainian men and to influence the tightening of border crossing rules. Find out what proposals are being discussed and how the migration situation is changing. Find out what Germany is proposing and what the possible consequences are for Ukrainians in the EU

Bavarian Prime Minister and CSU party leader Markus Söder has called on the European Union to consider restricting the entry of young Ukrainian men into EU countries. In an interview with Bild, he said that the current trend of increasing numbers of arrivals from Ukraine is cause for concern and requires decisive action at the European level.

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Control over the departure of Ukrainians

According to Söder, the European Union and the German government must exert influence on Ukraine to “once again tighten border crossing rules for men of conscription age.” The politician stressed that the entry of young men must be more strictly controlled:

“We must control and significantly reduce the rapid growth in the influx of young men from Ukraine. It does not help anyone if they come to Germany instead of defending their homeland,” said the Bavarian prime minister.

He also added that solidarity with Ukraine must be mutual: Europe continues to support Kyiv with weapons, finances, and humanitarian aid, but expects responsibility from the Ukrainian side.

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Proposal to restrict the directive on the mass influx of refugees

Markus Söder believes that if Ukraine does not revise its exit rules on its own, the issue should be resolved at the EU level. In particular, he proposed restricting the directive on the mass influx of refugees, which gives Ukrainians the right to legally reside and work in the European Union.

“Our solidarity remains, but it requires clear rules and responsibility on both sides,” the politician stressed.

Growth in the number of young Ukrainians in Germany

According to data from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, the number of Ukrainians aged 18 to 22 arriving in the country has increased significantly in recent months.

In mid-August, only about 19 people arrived in Germany per week.

In September, this figure rose to over a thousand.

In October, the figures reached between 1,400 and 1,800 people per week.

German politicians attribute this trend to the relaxation of rules on leaving Ukraine, adopted after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, as well as to the intensification of mobilization measures within the country.

Debate in the EU: support or control

The Bavarian prime minister’s initiative has already sparked lively debate among European politicians. Some experts believe that restricting the freedom of movement of Ukrainians may contradict EU principles and negatively affect Germany’s humanitarian image.

At the same time, supporters of the initiative emphasize the need to strike a balance between supporting Ukraine and controlling internal security and migration flows.

If you need professional assistance with migration issues or crossing the border, our team of experienced lawyers is ready to advise and assist you with preparing your documents. Our specialists are familiar with the current laws of the EU and Germany and provide support at every stage of the process. Contact our experts to be confident in your rights and obligations when traveling abroad.

We remind you! As Europe prepares to end its temporary protection program, Ukrainians in Germany are faced with a choice: stay and apply for long-term status or return home. The country’s authorities are already launching new initiatives and support centers to help refugees decide on their future. Read about how to change your status, what documents are required, and what opportunities will be available to Ukrainians in Germany after 2027.

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