Hungary says it will keep protecting draft-age Ukrainian men as EU tightens eligibility rules

The European Commission said member states retain some discretion in how they apply the rules.

“What exactly is done at the level of the member states is for them to determine,” European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said on Sept. 4. “There is always a certain margin of discretion, and this is also provided for in the regulation.”

Magyar said a day earlier that Hungary would retain the right to grant protection to Ukrainian men of draft age, many of whom he said were ethnic Hungarians from Ukraine’s western Zakarpattia Oblast.

“Hungary will act differently and provide assistance to those in need,” Magyar told reporters, according to TVP World.

EU countries agreed in July to extend temporary protection for people fleeing Russia’s war against Ukraine until March 4, 2028. At the same time, they agreed that new applicants would be eligible only if they comply with their military obligations under Ukrainian law.

The restriction does not apply to more than 4 million Ukrainians already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU.

Under the new rules, applicants may demonstrate compliance by presenting a Ukrainian passport showing that they left the country legally or documents confirming that they are exempt from or have fulfilled their military obligations.

The Council of the EU said the restriction was intended to balance protection for displaced Ukrainians with Ukraine’s need to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

Magyar said he had raised Hungary’s position with European Council President António Costa and argued that people should not be prevented from leaving a country at war.

Hungary voted against the EU measure.

Magyar’s position comes despite his government taking a markedly more supportive approach toward Kyiv than that of his predecessor, Viktor Orbán. Since taking office, he has sought closer ties with both Ukraine and the EU and described Russia as the aggressor in the war.