On July 15, 2026, the press service of the Council of the EU reported that EU countries agreed to extend the temporary protection status for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. This was done in view of the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary.
Certain restrictions have also appeared – protection will continue to be provided only to those who fulfill their military obligations in Ukraine. That is, to obtain the status of temporary protection, Ukrainians subject to military service will have to prove the fulfillment of their military obligations. To do this, it is necessary to confirm that the departure from Ukraine was legal. This can be done by presenting a document in paper or electronic format confirming exemption from military obligations or their fulfillment.
Such restrictions will only apply to newly arrived persons, not those who already enjoy temporary protection in the European Union.
Given EU law, each member state individually decides on the duration of temporary protection for Ukrainians, but this period cannot exceed the date specified in the EU Directive. In Poland, for example, Ukrainians can be under temporary protection until March 4, 2027.
