The Council of the European Union has officially adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 extending temporary protection for persons who fled Ukraine because of the war. The decision was adopted on 30 July 2026 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4 August 2026. Temporary protection has been extended for a further year, until 4 March 2028. The decision applies from 5 March 2027.
Persons benefiting from temporary protection retain the right to reside, access the labour market and housing, receive medical care and social assistance, and access education for their children.
A special rule applies to new applicants from 31 July 2026. When applying for temporary protection for the first time, applicants may be required to prove that they comply with their military obligations in Ukraine. Such proof may include an exit stamp issued by the Ukrainian authorities or an official document in paper or electronic form.
This requirement does not apply to persons who already enjoyed temporary protection in an EU Member State before or on 30 July 2026 and continue to hold that status without interruption.
Temporary protection may generally be enjoyed in only one EU Member State at a time. If a person has already obtained a residence permit on this basis in one Member State, another Member State may refuse to issue a second permit.
The decision itself does not introduce additional requirements relating to employment, income, language skills or an automatic switch to another residence status. The specific procedure for extending residence documents and completing administrative formalities is determined by the national authorities of each Member State.
The official text of the decision can be downloaded here.