EU Might Reduce Refugee Protection for Ukrainian Men of Military Age
The European Union is considering changes to its policy regarding Ukrainian men of military age, potentially reducing the protections they currently receive. This discussion took place during the European Union Justice and Home Affairs Summit in Luxembourg, where officials highlighted the need for reforms in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. There’s also a focus on addressing the presence of Russian nationals coming into the EU for leisure activities.
Sweden’s immigration minister, Johan Forssell, emphasized that while it’s vital to support Ukrainians, the goal must be to ensure that more men remain in Ukraine to fight. He mentioned that Ukraine should not become a refuge for young men avoiding military service. Notably, any changes to refugee policy would affect new arrivals rather than those already settled in the EU.
Currently, Ukrainians are benefitting from a Temporary Protection Directive which allows them access to work and social services—significantly better than most other refugees. This measure was established as a response to the 2022 invasion and was based on the assumption that many would eventually return to rebuild their country. However, the prolonged nature of the war has led to a shift in attitudes, with many Ukrainians finding comfort and stability in their new environments, making the prospect of returning less appealing.
Traditionally, Ukraine has opposed the deportation of men eligible for military service, and, until now, the EU’s stance has been that those capable of leaving can stay outside Ukraine. Reports indicate that around 2 million Ukrainians may have evaded military drafts, with a substantial number currently living abroad.
Interestingly, while Sweden’s proposal aims to restrict refugee access for Ukrainian men, it doesn’t mention similar restrictions for women. Sweden has a universal military conscription policy and was among the first to implement gender neutrality in this regard, with other Nordic countries considering similar measures.
Discussions also centered on tightening restrictions for Russian visitors within the EU. Even with existing sanctions, wealthy Russians still manage to obtain nearly half a million tourist visas annually. Forssell noted that these visas could inadvertently facilitate the movement of Russian spies in Europe. A coalition of European nations is advocating for the power to deny visa applications outright based solely on the applicant’s nationality.
The situation is quite troubling, as Russian citizens enjoying vacations in luxury while Ukrainians face dire circumstances is unacceptable. There’s a clear need to prevent such disparities, primarily due to safety concerns and the potential for espionage connected to the regime.
