The Council of the European Union is scheduled to debate on 29 June 2026 a proposal to extend temporary protection for persons displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028, while introducing a new rule that would generally exclude new leavers who cannot demonstrate authorisation by Ukrainian authorities in compliance with their military obligations. The proposal, published on 26 June 2026, would extend the protection first activated on 4 March 2022 via Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 by one year from 5 March 2027 to 4 March 2028.
As of April 2026, almost 4.4 million persons—58% women and nearly 30% minors—enjoy temporary protection in the EU, with numbers stable around 4.3 million and a slight upward trend. Germany hosts nearly 1.28 million beneficiaries, Poland around 970,000, and Czechia over 380,000. The new rule would apply only to newcomers, not to existing beneficiaries who have already integrated. If reasons for protection cease before 4 March 2028, the Commission may propose ending it via Council qualified majority under Article 6 of the Temporary Protection Directive. Member States are also urged to step up implementation of the Council Recommendation on coordinated transition out of temporary protection, focusing on alternative legal statuses and voluntary returns.
The proposal marks a significant policy shift by linking protection eligibility to compliance with Ukrainian military exit clearance, potentially affecting future flows of male Ukrainian nationals. Existing beneficiaries remain unaffected, but the restriction could reduce new arrivals, particularly among men of military age. The extension provides continued stability for nearly 4.4 million current beneficiaries, while the transition recommendation encourages member states to plan for eventual integration or return. The Council is expected to vote on the proposal after the 29 June meeting, with qualified majority required for adoption. The European Parliament will be consulted but has no veto on implementing decisions under the Temporary Protection Directive.