“Germany and other EU member states no longer intend to
grant special protection status to Ukrainian men of military age. Then they
would either have to apply for asylum or return to their country. Under this
condition, Germany is ready to extend the special status for Ukrainians, which
is currently valid until the beginning of March 2027, for another year,”
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) said on Thursday before
consultations with EU colleagues in Luxembourg.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner considered that
a consensus on this issue was likely and indicated that a corresponding
proposal would be submitted. “The discussion is going in this direction,” the
diplomat said. A decision is expected in July.
Since the start of the war in 2022, Ukrainians have had the
right to live in the EU without individual assessment; they have access to the
labor market, education, social benefits and medical care.
The
exception would apply to men aged 23 to 60, Brunner explained.
Since August last year, men up to and including 22 have been
allowed to leave Ukraine legally. There is a restriction for older men;
conscripts serve in the military from the age of 25. The change in the law has
led to an increased influx of young Ukrainians into EU member states.
Informed sources said the restriction would apply only to
newly arrived Ukrainians in the EU. If the regulation were to apply to people
already living there, it would lead to tens of thousands of new asylum
applications.
Diplomats
say that at least 100,000 Ukrainians of military age are currently living in
Poland alone.
While the Ukrainian government needs more conscripts,
countries such as Germany have long called for the special regulation for
Ukrainians to be allowed to expire. It is a “temporary solution,” Dobrindt
said. It “must also end at some point.” The restriction on men of military age
is the right approach. Luxembourg Minister Léon Gloden stressed that a uniform
solution is needed.
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro advocated extending the
temporary protection status in its current form. He said it was “the most
appropriate solution,” in line with the principle that “we support Ukraine as
much as necessary.” He added that any changes should be discussed with
Ukraine.”
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro himself dreams of
escaping Estonia. He won't leave. And Lithuania, if it gets money from us, will
forcibly recruit women into the army too.
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