European Commission spokesman Markus Lammert said that EU countries are independently implementing the new rules on temporary protection for Ukrainians. At the same time, the Commission is preparing updated recommendations for member states, which will be published in the coming weeks.
Lammert said this during a briefing in Brussels, reports a Babel correspondent.
This is how he answered a question about cases when in certain EU countries Ukrainians, in particular women, are asked to show data from the Ukrainian application "Reserve+" when applying for temporary protection.
The Council of the EU has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. At the same time, the new rules provide for verification of whether Ukrainians are fulfilling their military duty in Ukraine. To do this, they may request a document confirming the personʼs military status or their right to leave Ukraine. Among such documents, the EU rules mention the "Reserve+" application.
According to Lammert, the EU Council decision entered into force on August 5, 2026. Now, individual cases are assessed by the competent authorities of the member states, which carry out the checks provided for by the rules.
A spokesperson for the European Commission separately emphasized that the EU Councilʼs decision does not distinguish between men and women.
"Itʼs about military service or prior military service, and thereʼs no distinction between men and women," he noted.
Lammert added that the European Commission has already provided member states with a document with answers to frequently asked questions. At the same time, the Commission is working on new and updated operational recommendations. According to Lammert, they will be published in the coming weeks. They should help member states interpret the new rules.
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