Ukrainian men of conscription age have same rights to temporary protection as women and children – European Commission

The issue of returning Ukrainian men of conscription age who are under temporary protection is currently not on the EU agenda, and no changes to the relevant provisions are expected this year.

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert stated this at a briefing in Brussels on Friday, Ukrinform’s correspondent reports.

Responding to a question from a Luxembourg correspondent about whether debates are ongoing at the EU level regarding the possible withdrawal of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age, particularly in light of a recent call by Luxembourg officials, the spokesperson said: "I am not aware of debates in Luxembourg. I can say that temporary protection is something that we have decided, at EU level, at member state level until 27."

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He explained that for this reason the relevant rules will remain in force until March 2027.

According to Luxembourg Times, the country’s Defence Minister Yuriko Backes expressed qualified support for Interior Minister Leon Gloden, who said that Ukrainian men in Luxembourg who are fit for military service should return home.

"In the beginning, there were a lot of women and children," Backes said. "In recent weeks and months, we’ve seen that more men are also coming. And I think that’s effectively a bit of a problem if, on the one hand, we provide military support so that the Ukrainians can defend themselves. And then at the same time we have young men coming to Luxembourg. I also see that as a problem," the defence minister added.

Luxembourg has spent more than EUR 400 million in aid to Ukraine and is investing another EUR 100 million this year. The country also leads the IT coalition within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group together with Estonia and coordinates assistance in communications and information technology.

Since March 2022, the EU has offered shelter to more than 4 million displaced Ukrainians. Displaced persons from Ukraine will benefit from temporary protection in the EU until March 4, 2027.

Last September, the EU Council agreed on a common framework for displaced Ukrainians to ensure their sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine when conditions allow, as well as a gradual transition to other residence statuses for those eligible.

Photo: Ken Murk/ERR