Changes for Ukrainian refugees in Germany: what to expect after the elections in February
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Germany has become one of the main shelters for Ukrainian refugees, offering a wide range of social assistance. However, in February 2025, early elections are planned in the country, which may lead to significant changes in the policy regarding the support of Ukrainians. If the coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) wins the elections, new rules are expected for refugees from Ukraine. The main points are reductions in social benefits, employment requirements and changes in pension benefits. Let’s consider each aspect in more detail.
The main changes in social assistance and employment of Ukrainian refugees
Abolition of the Bürgergeld program and the introduction of the “New Basic Benefit”
Currently, Ukrainians residing in Germany are entitled to social assistance through the Bürgergeld program. However, if the CDU/CSU coalition wins, this program may be replaced by the so-called “New Basic Benefit”, which will have stricter employment requirements. Unlike the current benefits, which are paid even to unemployed refugees, the new program aims to encourage employment among asylum seekers.
As stated by the General Secretary of the CDU party Carsten Linnemann in an interview with the media group Funke, the new aid system aims to provide only those who are ready to integrate into the German labor market. This reform is aimed at reducing spending on social assistance and strengthening requirements for working-age Ukrainians.
Reduction of payments for Ukrainian refugees
In the case of the implementation of new rules, Ukrainian refugees can expect a significant reduction in the amount of assistance. According to Linnemann, refugees should feel a certain responsibility and relationship with the aid they receive, so financial support will be reduced. It is expected that benefits for the unemployed will decrease, and unemployed persons will be obliged to look for work more actively.
Alexander Dobrindt, head of the CSU in the Bundestag, expressed an even more radical position, calling for the deportation of unemployed Ukrainians from Germany. He emphasized that two years after the start of the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian refugees should be able to find employment in Germany or return to the western part of Ukraine, which remains relatively safe.
Increased income for working pensioners
Attractive conditions are provided for Ukrainian pensioners who work or want to work in Germany. In particular, the opportunity to earn up to 2,000 euros without paying taxes. This measure is aimed at attracting more pensioners to the labor market and reducing the financial burden on the social system.
Linnemann also noted that employment statistics among Ukrainians in Germany are lower than in many other European countries. Therefore, the new rules aim to stimulate employment among refugees by raising the income threshold without taxing it.
Reduction of state expenditures on social assistance
A significant part of Germany’s state budget expenditures, which were previously directed to support Ukrainian refugees, may be reduced. Finance Minister Christian Lindner said that social and migration costs need to be optimized to reduce pressure on the budget. The new legal framework for refugees could reduce the amount of state support and reduce the budget by 50 billion euros.
The move involves the introduction of new rules for refugees, under which their legal status can be reviewed. As Lindner noted, Ukrainian refugees should not automatically receive assistance aimed at maintaining a minimum standard of living without mandatory employment requirements.
Possible consequences for Ukrainian refugees in Germany
The expected changes caused ambiguous assessments among Ukrainian public organizations and human rights defenders. According to experts, the strengthening of employment requirements can have a positive effect on the integration of Ukrainians into German society, but the reduction of social benefits can become a financial challenge for many families, especially for those who do not have the opportunity to quickly find a job.
The question of the legal status of those who will not be able to fulfill the new requirements also remains open. It is important to understand that the CDU/CSU coalition is in favor of maintaining the amount of support for the most vulnerable groups, but the main emphasis is on those who are able to provide for themselves.
These changes may become a signal for other European countries to review social support for Ukrainian refugees, especially against the background of economic difficulties and the growing burden on social systems.
