EU Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Until 2028 with New Conditions
The European Union has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s war of aggression until 4 March 2028, with new conditions applying to future applicants. The decision, agreed upon by EU member states on 30 July 2026, maintains the existing protection framework while introducing stricter eligibility criteria for those applying after the change.
Under the updated rules, new applicants for temporary protection must demonstrate compliance with Ukrainian military obligations, such as military service, and prove they left Ukraine legally. This can be done by presenting a passport with an exit stamp or another official document. However, the new conditions do not affect those already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU, including the approximately 50,000 Ukrainians currently residing in Finland (Finnish Ministry of the Interior).
The Finnish government is expected to formalise the decision on 6 August 2026, following the EU’s agreement. Temporary protection, introduced in March 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, remains in place due to the ongoing instability in the country. The EU continues to assess the situation, with around 4.4 million Ukrainians granted temporary protection across the bloc (Finnish Ministry of the Interior).
Preparations for Phasing Out Temporary Protection
While the extension provides short-term security, the EU is preparing for an eventual end to temporary protection. In summer 2025, the European Council approved recommendations for phasing out the scheme, emphasising that it remains a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution. No new EU-wide residence permit category for Ukrainians is being developed; instead, those seeking long-term stays must apply for existing national permits, such as those based on work, study, or family ties.
In Finland, 7,500 Ukrainians have already transitioned to more permanent residence permits, with 4,300 granted on the basis of work and 2,800 on family ties (Yle). The Ministry of the Interior confirms that current beneficiaries of temporary protection in Finland do not need to take any immediate action in response to the EU’s decision.
The extension reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukrainians for as long as necessary, though the long-term goal remains the eventual return of displaced individuals when conditions in Ukraine allow.