Poland supports the cancellation of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age in the European Union. An internal document discussed in the EU Council envisages the complete exclusion of men of conscription age from future asylum programs, which would deprive them of the right to residence and any benefits, UNN reports with reference to RMF24.
Details
During a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly stated that Germany would support Ukraine's efforts to restrict the departure of men of conscription age to EU countries.
At the same time, Polish diplomats insist that denying men of conscription age automatic protection is fair. Poland's position is clear: the return of men home is in the interest of Ukraine itself to support its defense and future reconstruction.
Meanwhile, the country's government has already moved from statements to actions. Men of conscription age (18-60 years old) from Ukraine no longer receive automatic collective temporary protection.
Additional Information
The temporary protection system for Ukrainian refugees has been in place since 2022, granting them the right to legal residence and work in the EU without complex asylum procedures.
Poland supports the exclusion of men of conscription age who cannot legally leave Ukraine.
At the same time, Warsaw rejects the idea of limiting protection based on the refugees' region of origin.
Warsaw is sending such signals to Brussels, where behind-the-scenes negotiations are ongoing regarding amendments to the current temporary protection system for Ukrainian refugees. This issue will be discussed on Thursday by EU interior ministers. The result of this discussion should be a new EC proposal to extend protection until 2028, likely with amendments.