EU May Bar Mobilization-Eligible Ukrainians From Entry
Rzeczpospolita reports the EU may require Ukrainians seeking temporary protection to prove exemption from mobilization under rules planned for March 2027.
The European Union could approve a directive as early as July 2026 barring Ukrainian citizens subject to mobilization from entering member states, according to the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita. The proposed rules are expected to take effect in March 2027.
Under the planned changes, Ukrainians seeking entry to the EU and temporary protection would need to present a certificate from the Ukrainian authorities confirming that they are exempt from mobilization. The requirement would also apply to women. Without such documentation, applicants would not qualify for this form of legal residence.
Rzeczpospolita reported that the European Commission is preparing the most extensive revision of the Temporary Protection Directive since 2022. The amendments would make proof of exemption from mobilization a condition for Ukrainian citizens applying for temporary residence in the bloc.
Polish Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration Maciej Duszczyk told the newspaper that work on the proposed changes had already been completed. He added that Warsaw supports the initiative.
The restrictions would not apply to Ukrainian citizens who have already received temporary protection in EU countries.
According to Eurostat figures cited in the report, 4.3 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status across the European Union. Germany hosts the largest number, at 1.2 million, followed by Poland with 960,000.