Estonia banned Ukrainians liable for military service from obtaining temporary protection status

Estonia banned Ukrainians liable for military service from obtaining temporary protection status

Estonia has agreed to extend special protection for Ukrainians who left due to the war, however, conditions will change significantly for new applicants.

This is reported by the ERR publication.

The Estonian Cabinet of Ministers approved its position on the draft EU Council decision to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2028. Minister Igor Taro stressed that the country maintains solidarity with Ukraine and supports the European Union’s common stance on assisting those affected by Russian aggression.

According to the European Commission’s proposal, the status is to be extended until 4 March 2028. At the same time, a new provision appears in the document: Ukrainian citizens who are not permitted to leave the country due to military obligations will not be eligible for temporary protection.

The changes will not affect those who already obtained protection in EU countries earlier — conditions will remain unchanged for them. The status grants the right to residence, work, education, social benefits, and medical care in EU member states.

Estonia insists on a uniform approach to applying this mechanism across all EU countries. In addition, the government deems it necessary to prepare a joint action plan in case the program ends, which would provide for a transition to other legal grounds for stay or return home once the security situation improves.