The European Commission has proposed withdrawing temporary protection status for military-age Ukrainian men, a move supported by several EU member states and Kyiv.

EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner announced the proposal at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg. According to the proposal, individuals who are not allowed to leave Ukraine due to military obligations should not be granted temporary protection.

Ukrainian refugees have enjoyed temporary protection status in the EU since March 2022. This status expires in March 2027 and must be extended. Eurostat data shows 4.33 million Ukrainians were under temporary protection in the EU as of March 31, with 1.3 million in Germany, 950,000 in Poland, and 380,000 in the Czech Republic.

Although the proposal is gender-neutral, it will primarily affect men aged 23 to 60. The new rules apply only to new arrivals and will take effect after approval by the Council of Europe.

Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty criticized the proposal, expressing concern over 'mounting pressure to prematurely end temporary protection arrangements.' He called for more solidarity.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt supported the move but suggested allowing affected men to apply for asylum. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner also strongly backed the proposal. Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro, however, favored extending the current system unchanged.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the return of military-age men serves the Ukrainian army's interests and is a matter of fairness. The proposal requires approval by a majority of EU member states.

Source: www.dw.com