Will EU send Ukrainian men back home? European Commission gives clear answer
Photo: European Commission responds on whether Ukrainian men of military age will be sent back home (facebook.com/institutSYRI)
The European Union is not discussing the issue of returning Ukrainian men of military age who have received temporary protection. No relevant changes are expected in 2026, according to European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert and Luxembourg Times.
Lammert responded to questions about the possible cancellation of temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age, particularly following remarks by Luxembourg’s Defense Minister, Yuriko Backes, who said such a step was needed.
European Commission spokesperson said he was not aware of any debates in Luxembourg, but noted that temporary protection was decided at the EU level and at the level of the 27 member states until 2027.
According to him, the rules on temporary protection for Ukrainian men of military age will remain in force until March 2027.
What preceded this
Luxembourg Times previously reported that the country’s Defense Minister Yuriko Backes supported Interior Minister Léon Gloden, who stressed the need for Ukrainian men of military age to return home.
According to him, an increasing number of men from Ukraine are arriving in the country, which he described as a certain problem. Gloden noted that while Luxembourg provides military assistance to Kyiv to help defend against Russian aggression, it is simultaneously hosting young Ukrainian men.
Meanwhile, Norway plans to cancel temporary collective protection for Ukrainian men of military age. The changes will apply to Ukrainian citizens aged between 18 and 60 who arrive in the country.
Norwegian authorities emphasized that the new rules will not apply to those already residing in the country or to the most vulnerable categories.
