Hungary called the EU decision "unacceptable"
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced that Budapest will continue to provide shelter to Ukrainian men of conscription age, despite changes made to the European Union's temporary protection regime for Ukrainian refugees. This decision is said to primarily apply to ethnic Hungarians living in Transcarpathia.
Hungary called the EU decision "unacceptable"
Peter Magyar announced on September 4 that Hungary retains the right to make independent decisions regarding the admission of Ukrainian men of military age.
He stated that Budapest does not agree with the EU's new approach to temporary protection.
In mid-July, the European Union revised the conditions for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians. Under the new regulations, conscripts who have not fulfilled their designated military obligations in their home country do not fall under the scope of the temporary protection program.
Magyar assessed this approach as unacceptable.
He emphasized that Hungary will act differently and retains the right to grant asylum to men of draft age who arrive in the country. The Prime Minister said that in this regard, first and foremost, the interests of ethnic Hungarians living in Transcarpathia will be taken into account.
According to the Hungarian Prime Minister, the new EU rules could practically force some Ukrainians to remain in a country where war is ongoing.
The temporary protection system for Ukrainian citizens has been in place in the European Union since March 2022. Its validity has been extended until March 4, 2028.
Under the new requirements, a person wishing to receive temporary protection will have to confirm that they have not violated requirements related to military registration and military obligations.
Brussels explained these changes by Ukraine's defense needs.
At the same time, the new requirements do not apply to Ukrainians who have already received temporary protection status in EU countries.
Ukrainians applying for temporary protection must now present a document confirming that they have not committed violations regarding military registration and service obligations.
A passport with a stamp indicating a legal crossing of the Ukrainian border can be accepted as such confirmation.
The applicant also has the right to present a paper or electronic document showing that they have fulfilled their military obligations as prescribed by law.