Changes for refugees in 2024: on what conditions are European countries currently accepting
This month, EU countries decided to extend the granting of temporary protection status to Ukrainians until March 2026. Attacks on civilians in Kharkiv Oblast and the territories near the front, power outages and problems with the educational process for children do not stop the flow of refugees from Ukraine – citizens are looking for safety for themselves and their children. That is why the extension of protection is relevant not only for those who have already left, but also for those who are only planning to do so.
Although the conditions for providing housing and payments for refugees in most countries are currently more modest than they were in 2022, Ukrainians still continue to be provided with assistance for settlement in Europe. Conditions depend on the slope.
Germany
Refugees who arrive in Germany are first distributed in temporary accommodation centers. Migrants stay there until they find free housing in one of the federal states.
Financial assistance in the amount of 563 euros per month is paid to Ukrainians registered in the employment center. Also, separate social benefits for children and pensioners are provided in Germany. In addition, it is possible to receive partial compensation for the cost of housing rent.
Poland
Ukrainians in Poland can receive a one-time payment of PLN 300 when crossing the border. To receive this assistance, Ukrainians who are in Poland legally and entered in the PESEL register must apply to the local social assistance center (MOPS) or social services center.
Parents can also receive a monthly allowance of PLN 800 per child, provided they are registered with PESEL, have a Polish phone number and a Polish bank account. If the child is of school age, he must attend a Polish school.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, refugees can be provided with free housing for up to 150 days. This deprives the right to receive other payments. If a person does not live in such housing for more than 10 days in a row after the expiration of the legal period without a good reason, he can be evicted.
Ukrainians who pay rent on their own can receive monthly financial assistance. Its size depends on age, income, disability and housing costs. Payments will decrease if a Ukrainian of working age does not find a job within 150 days.
Sweden
Sweden provides temporary shelters to Ukrainians and helps with free accommodation. For this, you need to contact the Migration Service. Refugees who plan to stay for a long time can apply for a monthly allowance of 818 euros.
France
Upon arrival in France, Ukrainians are temporarily placed in reception centers for several days. The family then gets temporary housing for a few weeks or months, and later permanent housing. As there is a limited number of available houses in France, refugees are mostly accommodated in remote villages.
Financial assistance to migrants is provided through the French Bureau of Immigration and Integration. The amount of payments depends on the number of people in the family. If free housing was not provided, the amount of assistance will be higher.
Romania
In Romania, Ukrainians can live for free in temporary accommodation camps located in the border towns of Radautsi, Maramures, Galati, as well as in Bucharest. Financial assistance to displaced persons is currently temporarily not paid due to budget constraints.
Latvia
In this country, refugees can receive a one-time cash benefit of €343 for adults and €240 for children upon arrival. A monthly cash allowance is also provided: 137 euros for the first person and 96 euros for each subsequent family member. Ukrainians in Latvia can get free housing for up to 120 days.
