Temporary protection extended until 4 March 2028
On 30 July 2026 the EU Council adopted decision (EU) 2026/1912: temporary protection for Ukrainians is extended until 4 March 2028. One detail is easy to miss: Article 3 says the decision applies from 5 March 2027. Until then the previous period stands — 4 March 2027 — and that is the date printed on the cards and permits people hold. Protection is not running out, but in most countries the document itself must be renewed in early 2027, and that is a national procedure that differs from country to country.
Article 2 of the decision applies from 31 July 2026: protection is granted only to those who have met their military obligations in Ukraine, evidenced by a lawful exit stamp or a document confirming exemption or compliance (including via Reserv+). Article 2(2) explicitly exempts anyone who held protection on 30 July 2026 and keeps it continuously in the same country. So it affects new applicants, not existing holders.
EU countries (directive)
The first date is the period in force now (the one on your card). The second is how far the Council has already extended it.
Countries with national schemes
The EU decision does not apply to them — each has its own rules and dates. See the country guide.
In 2026–2028 countries launch TRANSITIONS to national statuses with their own application windows (Poland — by 04.03.2027, Czechia — biometrics in October 2026). Varta watches 101 official sources daily and will alert you in Telegram.