New EU protection rules for Ukrainians take effect amid Czech policy disputes

New European Union rules extending temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians through March 2028 have taken effect, making residency rights contingent on compliance with Ukrainian military obligations.

The EU-wide measure coincides with internal friction in the Czech Republic over Ukrainian labor and diplomatic engagements. Czech law enforcement launched a specialized unit, Kobra 26, to combat tax fraud and illicit staffing agency networks exploiting Ukrainian laborers, which lawmakers warn could drain billions of korunas from public coffers.

Concurrently, Czech official visits to Ukraine have generated domestic political friction. Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Barbora Urbanová traveled to Kyiv after a parliamentary committee initially denied approval for her trip. Meanwhile, General Staff Chief Miroslav Hlaváč remains waiting for defense ministry clearance to participate in an upcoming military conference in Ukraine.

Sources: Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy