German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced new measures to restrict welfare benefits for Ukrainian refugees who refuse to work, aiming to enhance their employment rates within Germany.
Merz, addressing the annual conference of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), criticized the current state of employment among Ukrainian refugees, asserting that Germany has one of the lowest employment rates in the European Union. He pointed out that while some countries have rates exceeding 70%, Germany’s rate remains below 30%, which he deemed unacceptable. This indicates a significant gap in the integration efforts of Ukrainian refugees into the German workforce.
The government’s initiative involves restructuring the system of benefits to ensure that Ukrainian refugees who are willing and able to work are integrated into the workforce. Merz argued that those who can work should move away from relying on Bürgergeld, a benefit typically provided to German nationals. This shift aims to not only improve employment rates but also ensure that those eligible receive support in a manner that aligns with national labor standards.
Additionally, the government has proposed a reduction in monthly benefits for Ukrainian refugees who arrive after April 1, 2025, from €563 to €441. This change is expected to impact approximately 83,000 individuals, raising concerns about the financial stability of affected families. Critics, such as Minister-President Markus Soeder of Bavaria, have expressed opposition to the preferential treatment of Ukrainians, arguing that they should not have advantages that are not extended to refugee populations from other countries.
Merz’s position is further compounded by the ongoing situation regarding military-age men fleeing Ukraine to avoid conscription. He has urged Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to ensure that these individuals remain in their homeland, where they are needed, rather than seeking refuge in Germany. Similar sentiments have been echoed by Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who has also called for an end to preferential treatment for Ukrainian refugees in his country.
These developments reflect a growing trend among European nations to reassess the support provided to Ukrainian refugees, emphasizing economic integration over financial assistance. As such, the implications of Merz’s policies could significantly influence the future of Ukrainian refugee integration in Germany, potentially reshaping the socio-economic landscape for both refugees and the host country.