Germany’s conservatives propose cutting welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees to €460 per month, potentially making it harder for them to integrate into German society. The proposed changes are part of a larger overhaul of the Bürgergeld system and have sparked criticism from refugees.
Proposed Changes to Bürgergeld for Ukrainian Refugees
Background
Germany is currently hosting around 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, with approximately 530,000 of them classified as eligible to work and entitled to citizens’ income (as of May 2024). This allows them to receive an unemployment benefit of up to €563 ($596) per month plus their rent and heating costs paid by the state.
Proposed Changes
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), currently leading in polls ahead of the election on February 23 next year, wants to cut welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees. They are also questioning whether Ukrainians should receive the standard unemployment benefit, called Bürgergeld (“citizens’ income”), rather than the lower asylum-seeker benefits.
Motivation
The CDU’s move is part of a general planned overhaul of the Bürgergeld system if they get into power. This includes tougher sanctions for refusing work and more mandatory visits to the authorities.
Impact on Refugees
The proposal would mean that Ukrainians would receive only €460 per month, which could have significant implications for refugees who are already struggling to integrate into German society. Many Ukrainian refugees face challenges in getting their diplomas approved and finding employment in Germany.
Coalition Partners
Whether a likely CDU-led government will succeed in changing conditions for Ukrainian refugees will depend also on its coalition partners, such as the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Free Democrats (FDP).
Criticism from Refugees
Refugees such as Shulikina and Mlosch have spoken out against the proposed changes, arguing that they would make it harder for Ukrainians to integrate into German society. They believe that the current system of Bürgergeld is not effective in encouraging refugees to work and should be reformed.
Reaction from Refugees
Impact on Ukrainian Refugees
The proposed changes could have a significant impact on Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Currently, around 530,000 of them are classified by the Federal Employment Agency as eligible to work and entitled to citizens’ income. This includes an unemployment benefit of up to €563 ($596) per month plus their rent and heating costs paid by the state.
Reactions from Ukrainians
Lyudmyla Mlosch, chairperson of the Central Council of Ukrainians in Germany (ZVUD), said many Ukrainians she knows in Germany don’t want to be here at all. “I know a lot of people here who are dreaming of going home, but they have no home — they’ve lost everything,” she said.
