EU home affairs ministers on 4 June 2026 disagreed on whether to exclude Ukrainian men of conscription age (23-60) from temporary protection, as requested by Ukrainian authorities. Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed the Commission will propose a solution in the coming weeks, having consulted the most affected member states (Czech Republic, Baltic States, Poland, Germany, Austria). The Cypriot Presidency noted many member states are open to changing the scope under certain conditions but raised concerns about safeguards. There was consensus on prolonging temporary protection beyond March 2027, accelerating Schengen digitalisation, strengthening external borders, and increasing internal security.
Both the Presidency and Commissioner Brunner highlighted the successful conclusion of the return regulation as a key achievement. Commissioner Brunner noted a 55% decrease in illegal crossings over two years and a further 40% in 2026. On the external dimension, there was agreement on using restrictive visa measures against non-cooperative third countries. The Entry/Exit System (EES) becoming fully operational on 4 October 2026 was welcomed, with 90 million registrations and 38,000 entry refusals. On Cyprus's Schengen accession, the Presidency expressed confidence for readiness by end-2026, while Commissioner Brunner acknowledged progress but noted the Council's decision. The debate exposed a cleavage between protecting all Ukrainian refugees and responding to Ukraine's request to limit protection for men of fighting age, which could affect hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Stakeholders impacted include Ukrainian refugees (potential loss of protection for men aged 23-60), member states hosting them (administrative burden of re-categorising beneficiaries), and non-cooperative third countries (facing restrictive visa measures). The Commission's upcoming proposal will need to balance solidarity with Ukraine's wartime needs and legal safeguards for individuals.