European Union countries have abandoned the idea of dividing Ukraine’s territory into so-called “safe regions” in the context of extending temporary protection for Ukrainians. Instead, the focus is on the possible limitation of this mechanism for conscript-aged men. This information is contained in an internal document of the EU Council prepared for the discussion of the future Directive on temporary protection.
This is reported by Finway
Main options for extending temporary protection
The document, which will be discussed by ministers at the meeting on June 4, proposes two main scenarios: to extend temporary protection in its current form or to limit its application for certain categories, including conscript-aged men. During the March discussions in 2026, most member states supported the further extension of the protective mechanism, as the reasons for its implementation remain relevant. This approach provides legal certainty for Ukrainians and helps avoid a sharp increase in asylum applications.
However, a number of states advocate for narrowing the scope of temporary protection. Among the options that were preliminarily considered were exclusions for applicants from “safe regions” or conscript-aged men, but the final document only retained the issue of restrictions for men or individuals who left Ukraine illegally.
Possible consequences of changes and statistics on displaced persons
The first scenario involves maintaining the current model of protection, which will not create additional pressure on the asylum systems of EU countries and ensure continuity for Ukrainians. The second option is to continue the mechanism but with limitations on the personal scope of those protected, particularly for conscript-aged men or individuals who left Ukraine in violation of the law.
Some member states have expressed concern over the increasing number of newly arrived conscript-aged men. According to some countries, changes to the temporary protection mechanism could contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and its future recovery. At the same time, the authors of the document warn of potential legal risks related to the principle of non-discrimination, as well as various approaches that may arise in different EU states.
According to the EU Council, there are currently 4.33 million displaced Ukrainian citizens in EU countries who are benefiting from temporary protection. The largest share of such individuals is in Germany (28.7%), Poland (22.3%), and the Czech Republic (9%). At the end of March 2026, the ratio of temporary protection beneficiaries to the population was highest in the Czech Republic (34.8 per 1000 people), followed by Poland (26.3), Slovakia (26.2), and Cyprus (25.3).
“The EU has demonstrated unprecedented unity and solidarity with Ukraine since the activation of temporary protection. At the same time, a number of member states that have taken in large groups of beneficiaries are increasingly reporting difficulties caused by the protraction of the conflict, significant financial and social burdens at the national level, as well as changes in the profile of newcomers,” the document states.
It is expected that the issue of the future of temporary protection will be discussed on June 4 at the meeting of the EU Council on Justice and Home Affairs. A final decision on changes to the mechanism is likely to be made by the end of June or in July 2026.