Ukrainian refugee aid across Europe compared – DW – 08/05/2025
Markus Söder, premier of Bavaria, Germany's largest state, wants to do away with current rules governing access to aid money for Ukrainian refugees living in Germany. The head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), part of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU union, is of the opinion that Ukrainian refugees should get less money in general — no matter if they are new arrivals or have been living in Germany for years.
Söder's proposal far exceeds the changes promised in the CDU/CSU's coalition agreement, which it signed with the Social Democrats (SPD) in May to form the current government. In the contract — which forms the basis for the coalition's existence — signatory parties agreed to cut financial assistance to new Ukrainian refugees applying for asylum in the country. The coalition agreement, however, explicitly exempted cuts for Ukrainian refugees already living in Germany.
To date, Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Germany have all been afforded so-called citizens' money [Bürgergeld] payments, meaning they receive the same amount of welfare assistance that an unemployed German would. For single adults, that means a sum of €563 ($650) each month. Further, German taxpayers cover the cost of rent and health insurance for their guests. In all, that means Germany is among the most financially generous countries when it comes to assistance for Ukrainians forced to flee their homes because of war. Unlike others, Ukrainian refugees are also given permission to immediately enter the German labor market upon arrival.
Bavaria's Söder now wants to slash that assistance to people applying for asylum. That would mean a monthly stipend between €353 and €441 for single adults, depending on their living situation. Families would also receive between €299 and €391 monthly for each child they have, with payments varying according to age.
The European Union (EU) classifies Ukrainian refugees as individuals "deserving of temporary protection" under a mechanism established in 2001. These guidelines were activated for the first time in 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The guidelines stipulate that EU host countries must provide refugees, in this case Ukrainians, with access to housing, employment and health care. The guidelines do not, however, define the value of those payments and/or services, leading to great disparities across the 27-member bloc.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Poland does not hand out monthly payments and Warsaw has even gone so far as to do away with its previous one-time payment of roughly €70 for each adult refugee arriving from Ukraine. Ukrainian refugees in Poland are instead given a personal identification number, giving them access to jobs, education and free health care.
Ukrainian parents are given a monthly €190 payment for their first child, with smaller payments for each child after that. Parents caring for children with a disability or those with chronic illnesses may also apply for welfare assistance.
In Hungary, the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban — known for his anti-immigrant sentiments — tightened rules defining which Ukrainian refugees it feels are "deserving of temporary protection." Western Ukraine, for instance, is now viewed as a safe place of origin in the eyes of Hungary's lawmakers, meaning refugees hailing from those parts have no right to free housing at state-run refugee facilities. The international NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) decried the move, saying it put thousands of Ukrainians on the streets.
Adult refugees considered worthy of protection are afforded a €55 monthly payment as well as about €34 a month for each child in their family.
In Belgium, single adult refugees from Ukraine receive approximately €1,100 per month in assistance, the highest rate in the EU. Moreover, they receive publicly funded health insurance and have the right to publicly funded housing. Furthermore, refugees can apply for financial assistance for the acquisition of furniture, clothing, medical necessities (including glasses) and food.
Ukrainian refugees in Sweden do not receive monthly stipends but daily cash allotments. Adults can receive up to about €180-€190 by month's end but only if they have no other income.
Payment for children adds up to roughly €140 per month. Additional funds are available for items such as winter clothing or baby carriages. Ukrainian refugees theoretically have access to funds for things like glasses, yet they generally only have the right to medical assistance in emergency situations or in the case of care that cannot be delayed.
The United Kingdom (UK) must no longer adhere to EU rules since it famously left the bloc during the so-called Brexit. There, the government allots Ukrainian refugee families about €30 each week for their eldest child, with another €20 a week for all others. Additional payments are provided to assist in covering childcare costs for those children too young to attend school. Retirees (from age 66 for females, 67 for males) are eligible for payments of up to €230 a week.
Rules governing adult refugees who have yet to reach retirement age are more complicated and must often be calculated on an individual basis.
One assistance program, Homes for Ukraine, is designed to help Ukrainians find living accommodation with UK citizens, for example. The program pays out a roughly €230 one-time payment to refugees, while at the same time it sets up a €400 monthly payment for individuals hosting them — these hosts must also vouch for the refugees they house.
Lastly, the UK's "Universal Credit" program provides further financial support to refugees only if their savings fall below a certain threshold. The amount of money they can receive and what it can be used for depends on the refugee in question and their current financial situation.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
2 hours ago
- DW
Ukraine updates: Trump to open to meet Putin, Zelenskyy – DW – 08/06/2025
Donald Trump could meet Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy as early as next week. The announcement follows his envoy's talks in Russia that the US president called "highly productive." DW has more. A potential summit of leaders from the United States, Russia and Ukraine could happen as early as next week, according to media reports citing anonymous White House sources. "The Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the president is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelensky," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "President Trump wants this brutal war to end." The reports follow talks between Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian leader that Trump described as "highly productive."US President Donald Trump could meet in person with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as early as next week, according to media reports citing anonymous White House sources. The reports follow talks between Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian leader that Trump described as "highly productive." CNN, AP and Reuters news agencies were among those reporting on Wednesday evening that Trump told European leaders he plans to meet soon with Putin, potentially as early as next week. Trump would hold a meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the initial meeting with the Russian leader, they said, citing people familiar with the plan. "The Russians expressed their desire to meet with President Trump, and the president is open to meeting with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "President Trump wants this brutal war to end." She didn't specify a date or location for a possible meeting. Last week, Trump set a deadline of "10 or 12 days" for Russia to stop the war in Ukraine or face US sanctions. During the 2024 election campaign, Trump had vowed to bring an end to the war on his first day in office. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country supports a "lasting and reliable" peace with Russia, before later adding that Moscow seems "more inclined" to a ceasefire. "The main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details," Zelenskyy said in a nightly address. The Ukrainian leader also commented on the meeting earlier Wednesday between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Russia must end the war that it itself started," Zelenskyy posted on his X account, adding that Kyiv will "definitely defend its independence." Zelenskyy said European leaders had also joined his call with US President Donald Trump, without providing names. The White House said on Wednesday that US is still set to impose "secondary sanctions" on Russia's trading partners, despite the "great progress" touted by President Donald Trump after US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russia President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Trump had set a Friday deadline for the Kremlin to agree on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Although few details have been released about specifics, the sanctions are widely expected to target Russia's remaining trade partners to further impair Moscow's access to financing. This could include Russia's oil-buying partners like China and India. In June, Trump had threatened 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil. The newspaper reported US measures could also target Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers used to circumvent western sanctions on Russian oil, by using often dilapidated tankers with murky ownership. The measures would be the first punitive action towards Moscow from Washington over the war in Ukraine since Trump took office in January. However, Trump has previously set deadlines for Moscow, only to walk them back. Moscow, so far, has shown no sign of backing down. On Tuesday, the Kremlin slammed "threats" to hike tariffs on Russia's trading partners as "illegitimate." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video US President Donald Trump said that US special envoy Steve Witkoff made "great progress" after his meeting with RussianPresident Vladimir Putinin Moscow on Wednesday. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the meeting was "highly productive," without providing details of what was discussed. Trump added that he had updated some of the US' European allies after the meeting. According to Trump "everyone agrees" that the war between Ukraine and Russia must end, and that the US will "work towards that" in the coming weeks. Trump had promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. However, attempts at negotiating a ceasefire, or even a drawing down of hostilities, have come to nothing. Since Trump took office, Russia has been increasing the frequency of attacks on Ukraine, with near daily bombardments of cities and infrastructure. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Gas reserves in Ukraine are at their lowest in 12 years, analysis firm ExPro said on Wednesday. Storage facilities are currently less than a third full and the revelation comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Wednesday accused Moscow of deliberately undermining its preparations for winter by striking a gas facility in the Odesa region. It is not yet clear how Wednesday's attack on the the southern region's gas interconnector, which is used to supply US and Azeri gas through Bulgaria and Romania, will affect future gas collection. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff lasted around three hours. "A quite useful and constructive conversation took place," Ushakov told journalists. Putin and Witkoff discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the potential for improving US-Russia ties, Ushakov said. He added that Moscow had received certain "signals" from US President Donald Trump and had sent messages in return, without elaborating on details. The meeting comes just days ahead of a deadline set by Trump for Russia agree to a Ukraine peace deal. German politicians are debating whether to slash financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees. How does the country stack up against its EU neighbors when it comes to generosity in helping those fleeing war? Read the full story on aid provided for Ukrainian refugees in Germany and across Europe. Russian drones struck a gas pumping station in southern Ukraine, part of an LNG imports scheme from the United States and Azerbaijan, Kyiv's energy ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said the attack on the site near the Ukraine-Romania border was aimed "purely against civilian infrastructure" and targeting relations with Azerbaijan, the US and European partners. There was no immediate comment from Russia. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks. The Kremlin did not immediately provide more information regarding the meeting. There had been doubts as to whether the two would meet during Witkoff's visit to Moscow but Russian state media said the meeting was to take place on Wednesday. Donald Trump has put a Friday deadline for Putin to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday two people were killed after a Russian attack set ablaze a holiday camp in central Ukraine. Describing it as a "zero military sense" strike, Zelenskyy condemned the "cruelty" of the attack, "aimed at instilling fear." "Right now in the Zaporizhzhia district, our medics and first responders are helping those wounded in a Russian strike on an ordinary recreation center," Zelenskyy posted on X. "Twelve people have been injured. As of now, sadly, two people are confirmed dead." Ukraine's defense minister has expressed gratitude toward the US for approving more than $200 million (€175 million) in deals to supply arms to Ukraine, funded by allies and arising from agreements between the US and Ukrainian presidents. "Grateful to the US for approving over $200M in Foreign Military Sales for Ukraine," Denys Shmyhal posted on X. "The first package includes equipment, repairs, and technical support for M777 howitzers, valued at $104 million. The second package, worth $99.5 million, covers transportation and cargo consolidation and other logistical services." Entirely funded by partner countries, these packages are a boost to Ukraine's defense and regional security," he added. Patience is required over Russian-US relations, the Kremlin said Wednesday. In remarks carried by the Russian TASS state news agency, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "There is, of course, inertia in this process," referring to the prolonged absence of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. "It takes time for efforts to bring bilateral relations back onto a normal track."To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, state media reported, where he will meet with Russian officials , with President Donald Trump's deadline to impose fresh sanctions over the war in Ukraine just days away. It is unclear whether Witkoff will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has given the Kremlin until Friday to halt its offensive in Ukraine or face further sanctions. The White House has not been specific regarding potential penalties, but Trump has previously threatened to impose "secondary tariffs" targeting Moscow's remaining trade partners, including China and India. Trump said Tuesday that he would await the outcome of Witkoff's visit before moving forward. "We're going to see what happens," he told reporters. "We'll make that determination at that time." After arriving in the Russian capital, Witkoff was met by presidential special representative Kirill Dmitriev, Russian state news agency TASS said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had had a "productive" conversation with his US counterpart, Donald Trump. The Ukrainian president said "the key focus" of their conversation centered around "ending the war." "Many months could have already passed without war, had Russia not been prolonging it," he continued. "Today, we coordinated our positions, Ukraine and the United States. We exchanged assessments of the situation: The Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks. President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Zelenskyy said the pair also spoke about sanctions on Russia with Trump's August 8 deadline for Putin to end the war looming large. "Their economy continues to decline, and that's exactly why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trump's resolve," Zelenskyy said. Today's spotlight is firmly on Moscow, where US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with Russian officials, just days ahead of a deadline set by his boss. President Donald Trump has warned that if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday, it will face new sanctions. However, the lack of urgency in Moscow over the past few days suggests Witkoff may leave empty handed. In fact, sources close to the Kremlin say Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he is gaining ground in Ukraine, and that takes precedence over improving relations with the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has used this moment to press his case for tougher sanctions on Moscow in a call with Trump ahead of Witkoff's visit. We'll be covering all these topics in this blog, with a focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
DW
4 hours ago
- DW
Moldova: Pro-Russian politician sentenced to jail – DW – 08/06/2025
Evghenia Gutul was found guilty of illegal party financing, with Russia denouncing the verdict as politically motivated. Moldova will head to the polls in the end of September. A court in Moldovasentenced a regional politician known for her pro-Russian views to seven years in jail on charges related to channeling money in order to finance a party authorities say is a facade for Russian election meddling. Evghenia Gutul, the governor of the autonomous region of Gagazuia, was found guilty of illegal party financing for the "Shor" party, named after exiled pro-Moscow oligarch Ilan Shor, who was previously found guilty of fraud in Moldova. Moldova, which borders Ukraine, regularly warns of Russian interference with its domestic politics. The ruling against 38-year-old Gutul comes ahead of parliamentary elections set to be held on September 28. The Kremlin labeled the verdict as politically motivated, while also accusing Moldova's pro-European government of trying to stir up views against pro-Russian views. "We see how the opposition is being clamped down in every possible way," a Kremlin spokesperson said. Gutul was last received in Russia by President Vladimir Putin in 2024. In a post on Telegram, Gutul denounced the verdict as "political reprisal" and "an attempt to intimidate the residents of Gagauzia who have the courage to vote against the ruling party's wishes." Moldova has been torn between moving closer to the West or leaning towards Russia, with the pro-EU side currently being in power. Gutul is also known as a critic of Moldova's pro-EU government. Her supporters shouted "shame" and "down with (Moldovan President) Maia Sandu" when Gutul was taken into a police view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
DW
5 hours ago
- DW
Ukraine: Trump hails 'progress' after envoy meets Putin – DW – 08/06/2025
Donald Trump said a meeting between US envoy Steve Wikoff and Vladimir Putin in Moscow was "highly productive." Despite this, this White House says new US sanctions on Russia are still coming. DW has more. Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, for talks in Moscow. The meeting comes just days before a deadline set by Trump for Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has urged patience regarding US-Russia relations, as anticipation builds around a potential meeting between Trump and Putin that has yet to be reserves in Ukraine are at their lowest in 12 years, analysis firm ExPro said on Wednesday. Storage facilities are currently less than a third full and the revelation comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier on Wednesday accused Moscow of deliberately undermining its preparations for winter by striking a gas facility in the Odesa region. It is not yet clear how Wednesday's attack on the the southern region's gas interconnector, which is used to supply US and Azeri gas through Bulgaria and Romania, will affect future gas collection. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff lasted around three hours. "A quite useful and constructive conversation took place," Ushakov told journalists. Putin and Witkoff discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the potential for improving US-Russia ties, Ushakov said. He added that Moscow had received certain "signals" from US President Donald Trump and had sent messages in return, without elaborating on details. The meeting comes just days ahead of a deadline set by Trump to agree to a Ukraine peace deal or face US sanctions. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video German politicians are debating whether to slash financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees. How does the country stack up against its EU neighbors when it comes to generosity in helping those fleeing war? Read the full story on aid provided for Ukrainian refugees in Germany and across Europe. Russian drones struck a gas pumping station in southern Ukraine, part of an LNG imports scheme from the United States and Azerbaijan, Kyiv's energy ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said the attack on the site near the Ukraine-Romania border was aimed "purely against civilian infrastructure" and targeting relations with Azerbaijan, the US and European partners. There was no immediate comment from Russia. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks. The Kremlin did not immediately provide more information regarding the meeting. There had been doubts as to whether the two would meet during Witkoff's visit to Moscow but Russian state media said the meeting was to take place on Wednesday. Donald Trump has put a Friday deadline for Putin to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine or potentially face economic penalties that could also hit countries buying its oil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday two people were killed after a Russian attack set ablaze a holiday camp in central Ukraine. Describing it as a "zero military sense" strike, Zelenskyy condemned the "cruelty" of the attack, "aimed at instilling fear." "Right now in the Zaporizhzhia district, our medics and first responders are helping those wounded in a Russian strike on an ordinary recreation center," Zelenskyy posted on X. "Twelve people have been injured. As of now, sadly, two people are confirmed dead." The Kremlin claims the Zaporizhzhia region as part of Russia. Ukraine's defense minister has expressed gratitude toward the US for approving more than $200 million (€175 million) in deals to supply arms to Ukraine, funded by allies and arising from agreements between the US and Ukrainian presidents. "Grateful to the U.S. for approving over $200M in Foreign Military Sales for Ukraine," Denys Shmyhal posted on X. "The first package includes equipment, repairs, and technical support for M777 howitzers, valued at $104 million. The second package, worth $99.5 million, covers transportation and cargo consolidation and other logistical services." Entirely funded by partner countries, these packages are a boost to Ukraine's defense and regional security," he added. Patience is required over Russian-US relations, the Kremlin said Wednesday. In remarks carried by the Russian TASS state news agency, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "There is, of course, inertia in this process," referring to the prolonged absence of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. "It takes time for efforts to bring bilateral relations back onto a normal track." TASS reported that for the first time in modern Russian history more than six months have passed without a summit between the leaders of the two nuclear powers. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, state media reported, where he will meet with Russian officials , with President Donald Trump's deadline to impose fresh sanctions over the war in Ukraine just days away. It is unclear whether Witkoff will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has given the Kremlin until Friday to halt its offensive in Ukraine or face further sanctions. The White House has not been specific regarding potential penalties, but Trump has previously threatened to impose "secondary tariffs" targeting Moscow's remaining trade partners, including China and India. Trump said Tuesday that he would await the outcome of Witkoff's visit before moving forward. "We're going to see what happens," he told reporters. "We'll make that determination at that time." After arriving in the Russian capital, Witkoff was met by presidential special representative Kirill Dmitriev, Russian state news agency TASS said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had had a "productive" conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump. The Ukrainian president said "the key focus" of their conversation centered around "ending the war." "Many months could have already passed without war, had Russia not been prolonging it," he continued. "Today, we coordinated our positions, Ukraine and the United States. We exchanged assessments of the situation: The Russians have intensified the brutality of their attacks. President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities." Zelenskyy said the pair also spoke about sanctions on Russia with Trump's August 8 deadline for Putin to end the war looming large. "Their economy continues to decline, and that's exactly why Moscow is so sensitive to this prospect and President Trump's resolve," Zelenskyy said. Today's spotlight is firmly on Moscow, where US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is meeting with Russian officials, just days ahead of a deadline set by his boss. President Donald Trump has warned that if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine by Friday, it will face new sanctions. However, the lack of urgency in Moscow over the past few days suggests Witkoff may leave empty handed. In fact, sources close to the Kremlin say Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he is gaining ground in Ukraine, and that takes precedence over improving relations with the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has used this moment to press his case for tougher sanctions on Moscow in a call with Trump ahead of Witkoff's visit. We'll be covering all these topics in this blog, with a focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
