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Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says requests for data from the “Reserve+” military registration app from Ukrainians applying for temporary protection in some EU countries are temporary and stem from a lack of unified guidance on new EU rules.
What is behind the “Reserve+” requirement
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is aware of cases in several EU member states where Ukrainian citizens, including women, were asked to provide information from the “Reserve+” app when applying for temporary protection.
According to the ministry, the situation is linked to the EU’s new rules on temporary protection, introduced by Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of July 30, 2026.
Because the EU has not yet issued unified practical guidance to member states on how to implement the decision, some national authorities have begun applying the new rules based on their own internal instructions.
This has resulted in different requirements being imposed in individual countries.
Who may be asked to provide the information
The Foreign Ministry said the cases known to Ukrainian authorities are not widespread. They mainly involve applicants who have been unable to provide evidence that they left Ukraine lawfully — for example, by presenting a passport stamp confirming their departure from Ukraine.
“If there is proof of lawful departure, there should be no need to provide information from ‘Reserve+’,” the ministry said.
However, until EU member states adopt a uniform approach, such requests may still occur in individual cases.
The ministry emphasized that the situation is temporary and should continue only until the EU provides member states with common guidance on implementing the new rules.
Ukraine expects the EU to standardize the procedure as soon as possible, taking into account concerns raised by the Ukrainian side.
What is happening in Spain
Ukrainians applying for temporary protection in Spain have previously reported new requirements, including requests for “Reserve+” information from Ukrainian women and proof that they crossed the Ukrainian border when leaving the country.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Spain explained that the changes are connected with the EU Council decision extending temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians until March 4, 2028.
