European countries reduce financial support for Ukrainian refugees
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters a new phase, applications for asylum from Ukrainians in Europe are showing a significant decline.
According to Eurostat, the number of applications in February was about 41,435, the lowest number since the beginning of the war, a decrease of 25% compared to the previous year. With the EU hosting over 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees, many European countries have begun to adjust their social assistance.
In Germany, where about 1.8 million Ukrainian refugees live, the government announced plans to abolish Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance - cash social assistance) for new refugees starting in April 2025, replacing it with assistance provided under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz). This decision has not yet been officially implemented, despite the approval of the CSU party, while the approval of the CDU and SPD parties remains pending.
Hungary has decided to stop providing government housing for refugees from western Ukraine, after those areas were deemed "safe". The validity of temporary protection permits extends until March 2026, with a monthly financial support of 55 euros and an additional 34 euros for each child.
Poland has suspended the hosting allowance of 300 zloty (70 euros) and bonuses for Polish families hosting refugees. However, it has extended the residence permits for refugees until September 2025, and provides Ukrainian children with the same child support as Polish children, which is 190 euros per month, provided they enroll in schools.
Norway has reduced child benefits and tightened travel rules for refugees, considering that the number of arrivals has become unacceptable. It has also reduced the use of hotels as shelters for refugees. Slovakia has reduced the duration of stay in asylum centers from 120 to 60 days, as well as the duration of housing support. Exemptions include vulnerable groups such as children under five and the elderly.
Estonia provides rental support of up to 1,200 euros, in addition to compensation for translation services. Child support in some cases reaches 650 euros per month, while new mothers receive 820 euros per month. Austria has extended residency until March 2026 and opened the way to obtain the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte Plus (Red-White-Red Card), provided that proof of German language knowledge at level A1 and one year of fully insured work is demonstrated.
Ireland has reduced the support for hosting refugees from 800 to 600 euros per month, and has also cut individual assistance from 232 to 38.80 euros per week. Belgium announced that the Flemish region of Flandern will stop supporting families that host refugees specifically, starting from January 2025, while continuing to support public centers.
Bulgaria has extended temporary protection until March 2026, with financial support of 190 euros and therapeutic and rehabilitation services. The Czech Republic has imposed strict conditions on long-term residence, such as achieving a certain annual income and cutting off government assistance, which may exclude many refugees.
Italy offers 300 euros for each adult and 150 euros for each minor, and provides housing until the end of 2025. France offers a monthly allowance of about 426 euros via a special card, in addition to rental support for those who do not have housing. Britain allows access to Universal Credit (comprehensive income support), in addition to 200 pounds for refugees upon arrival and 350 pounds for hosts monthly.
Spain offers 400 euros for each adult refugee and 100 euros for each child monthly, for six months, along with health and employment support. The Netherlands provides monthly support for food and clothing, which increases as the family size decreases. The cash allowance per individual reaches 252 euros. Portugal grants temporary residency that includes health services and social security, in addition to a monthly support of 237 euros, with an additional amount for families. These changes reflect a general European trend towards reducing some forms of direct support for Ukrainian refugees, focusing on integrating them into the labor market and society, or placing a larger burden of care on local governments.