CDU Calls for Restrictions on Entry of Military-Age Ukrainian Men to Germany
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has advocated for new measures to limit the arrival of young Ukrainian men of military age into Germany. The call follows a significant increase in the number of men between the ages of 18 and 22 arriving from Ukraine, a country currently engaged in conflict with Russia.
According to data from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, up to 1,800 men in this age group have been entering Germany each week. By comparison, only 19 men per week arrived in August, showing a marked rise since the Ukrainian government eased its border controls for younger men.
Since the onset of the conflict, Ukraine had restricted the exit of men aged 18 to 60 without special permission, aiming to maintain sufficient numbers for military service. However, at the end of August, Ukrainian authorities relaxed these rules, allowing men up to the age of 22 to leave the country freely, even during the ongoing state of war.
Under current European Union regulations, Ukrainian refugees are permitted to enter and reside in EU member states under the Mass Influx Directive. This policy, recently extended until spring 2027, allows Ukrainian nationals to access benefits and does not require them to go through the traditional asylum process. In Germany, this means immediate eligibility for citizen's benefits upon arrival.
Political leaders in Germany, particularly from the CDU and the Christian Social Union (CSU), have expressed concern over the increasing numbers of military-age men seeking refuge. They argue that a continued influx could undermine Ukraine's ability to defend itself, given the need for personnel within the armed forces.
The Bavarian Minister-President and CSU leader has previously called for tighter controls, advocating for a significant reduction in the number of young Ukrainian men entering Germany. He suggested that if the Ukrainian government does not reinstate stricter exit controls, the EU should consider amending the Mass Influx Directive to exclude certain groups. This could require Ukrainian men to undergo standard asylum procedures, similar to those applied to refugees from other conflict areas such as Syria or Afghanistan, and potentially delay their access to social benefits.
Currently, approximately 1.26 million Ukrainians have sought refuge in Germany since the conflict began, with about 500,000 of them being male. Of these, only around one-third are currently employed in the German workforce, although recent months have seen a notable increase in employment rates among Ukrainian nationals.
The discussion is also influenced by policy changes in neighboring countries such as Poland, which recently tightened residency requirements for Ukrainian refugees. In Poland, social benefits like child support are now only available to those who are working and paying taxes. These changes have led German security officials to anticipate a further increase in the number of Ukrainian refugees seeking entry to Germany.
The CDU and CSU are calling on both the European Union and the German federal government to engage with Ukrainian authorities and encourage a reconsideration of the relaxed exit rules. Their stated aim is to balance humanitarian responsibilities with the necessity of supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. Discussions continue at both national and EU levels regarding possible adjustments to migration and refugee policies in response to the evolving situation.