European Union member states have agreed to extend temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine until 4 March 2028, while introducing new conditions for future applicants linked to Ukraine’s military obligations.
The decision, approved by EU governments on 30 July, extends the scheme by one year from its previous expiry date in March 2027.
The temporary protection mechanism has provided millions of Ukrainians with the right to live, work and access public services across the European Union since it was activated after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Alongside the extension, EU governments agreed that new applicants for temporary protection must show they have complied with Ukrainian military obligations.
The new rule applies only to people seeking protection after the decision enters into force. It does not affect the more than four million Ukrainians already covered by the scheme.
Applicants will need to demonstrate they left Ukraine legally.
According to the Council of the European Union and Finland’s Ministry of the Interior, this could include a passport bearing an official Ukrainian exit stamp or documents confirming exemption from, or compliance with, military service requirements.
The change reflects what EU governments described as Ukraine’s evolving defence needs as the war continues.
The temporary protection directive provides collective protection during large-scale displacement without requiring people to go through the standard asylum process.
Those covered receive the right to reside in an EU country, access employment, housing, healthcare, social assistance and education for children.
Only one member state may grant temporary protection to an individual at any one time.
As of the end of May, about 4.38 million people remained under temporary protection across the European Union, according to the Council.
Finland’s Ministry of the Interior said about 50,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status in Finland.
The ministry said the Finnish government is expected to formally adopt the extension on 6 August.
The new eligibility conditions will not affect Ukrainians already living in Finland under temporary protection, and they do not need to take any action.
No separate long-term residence status for Ukrainians is under preparation at EU level. People wishing to remain permanently in member states will need to apply through existing national immigration systems.
According to Finland’s Ministry of the Interior, about 7,500 Ukrainians have already switched to national residence permits in Finland.
Of those, around 4,300 received permits based on employment and about 2,800 obtained permits through family connections.
HT