What is happening
In its 26 June 2026 proposal, the Commission asked the Council to extend temporary protectionAn exceptional and immediate procedure for specified groups that provides access to harmonised rights while keeping formalities to a minimum. for the categories covered by the 2022 activation decision. Protection, which the official text says had already been extended until 4 March 2027, would continue for one more year, from 5 March 2027 to 4 March 2028.1
The proposal has a second, separate element. As a rule, people who leave Ukraine from the date the decision takes legal effect would not receive temporary protection if they cannot show national authorities that Ukraine authorised them to leave in compliance with their military obligations. This condition would not apply to people already enjoying temporary protection on that date; the Commission says they should retain their status and related rights.1
Temporary protection is an exceptional, immediate procedure for specified groups, giving access to harmonised rights while keeping formalities low. The Commission says the reasons for using it persist: as of April 2026, almost 4.4 million displaced people from Ukraine were hosted in the EU, and the Commission says they could not return in safe and durable conditions. It also argues that the system helps prevent national asylum systems from being overwhelmed.1
Why it matters
For newcomers covered by the proposed condition, national authorities would verify evidence of Ukrainian authorisation. The Commission cites Reserv+, a Ukrainian application being developed to let users download and print documents showing exemption from military obligations, as one possible source. It says verification should be quick, while authorities would retain their power to decide individual cases.1
The draft says Ireland would participate, while Denmark would neither take part nor be bound by the decision. It also states that the new condition would not remove anyone's right to seek asylum and would operate subject to international law, EU law and fundamental rights.1
What happens next
Under the Temporary Protection Directive, the Council may extend protection for up to one year on a Commission proposal and may decide by qualified majorityThe Council voting rule that the Temporary Protection Directive specifies for a decision extending temporary protection., the Council voting rule specified for an extension. The Commission asked for adoption as soon as possible. In the draft, the extension would apply from 5 March 2027, but the new eligibility condition would apply when the decision takes legal effect. The available official record does not establish a complete list of accepted evidence or how Member States would align their checks.1