The conditions for Ukrainian refugees in Europe have been deteriorating markedly throughout 2024, and this trend is intensifying in autumn. While in the first months of the war, most European countries actively supported IDPs from Ukraine by providing them with temporary asylum, social benefits and employment assistance, many countries are now reconsidering their policies. The decisions of many governments are dictated by domestic political and economic factors: the cost of supporting refugees is beginning to burden budgets, social tensions are growing in local communities, and in many countries there is a problem of competition for jobs and housing between the local population and migrants.
These changes for Ukrainian refugees became particularly noticeable in the autumn of 2024. While Western media actively discusses new economic and political initiatives regarding the European Union, dissatisfaction is gradually growing in societies that had previously welcomed refugees. Opinions are expressed that the support for Ukrainians is too long and creates additional challenges for local residents. As a result, many countries are changing the rules for providing social assistance, restricting the rights of refugees, and shortening the duration of temporary residence permits.
Several European countries, including Poland, the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, Ireland and Estonia, have introduced or are preparing to introduce new restrictions for Ukrainians. These restrictions include both cuts in financial benefits and changes in the rules for housing assistance or residence permits. The conditions for Ukrainian refugees in many EU countries have become harsher, forcing thousands of people to rethink their future and their options for staying in countries that previously seemed like safe havens. Here is a look at how conditions have changed in several European countries.
Hungary: aid cut-off and conflict with the EU
Hungary has stopped providing housing assistance to Ukrainian refugees who came from the western regions of Ukraine, as the government considers these areas safe enough for them to return. This decision caused a wave of concern among the displaced, as for many of them, rental assistance was important to ensure minimum living conditions.
In addition, in early October, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a high-profile statement: he threatened to send Ukrainian refugees to Brussels to protest against EU pressure on Hungary over migration. Brussels had previously fined Budapest €200 million for violating the rules for accepting migrants. Orban has repeatedly ignored the EU’s decisions, which has strained relations between Hungary and the EU.
The Netherlands: shortening the time for issuing residence permits
The Dutch government has announced plans to shorten the duration of residence permits for refugees. Dutch Minister of Migration Marjolein Faber said that the country may reduce the period of residence permits for foreigners who fled the war from five to two years. This will significantly complicate the process of family reunification, as only those refugees who have a stable income, housing and have lived in the Netherlands for at least two years can now count on this process.
In addition, the Netherlands is planning to introduce some of the toughest anti-migration measures in the EU, including strict border checks, restrictions on family reunification and penalties for violating migration rules. This will be another step towards making conditions for refugees in this country more difficult.
Austria: the last chance for special status
1 October 2024 was an important date for Ukrainian refugees in Austria. Citizens of Ukraine under temporary protection have been given the opportunity to apply for a special RWR+ (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus) card, which allows them to work legally and stay in the country longer than before. To do this, you need to meet a number of requirements, including having been employed for the last two years, a rental agreement and knowledge of the German language. However, after receiving this card, all social benefits for refugees will be cancelled, leaving only refugee status.
This new opportunity is the last chance for many Ukrainians who want to stay in Austria for a long time. An important requirement for obtaining the card is to have a full-time job and financial independence.
Poland: major changes in the social benefits system
On 1 October 2024, Poland introduced major changes to the social support system for Ukrainian refugees. The most noticeable was the cancellation of subsidies for kindergartens and nurseries, which creates additional difficulties for families with children. Also, payments under the Family Foster Care Capital programme, which provided significant financial assistance for the upkeep of children, have been discontinued.
New programmes introduced by the Polish government, such as ‘Active Parents at Work’ and ‘Active Parents at Home’, are more aimed at supporting Polish citizens and do not apply to Ukrainian refugees. However, the 500+ programme for child benefits will remain available to Ukrainians with PESEL or temporary protection in Poland.
In addition, the Polish authorities have started to refuse to grant refugee status to Ukrainians from the western regions of Ukraine, as these areas are considered safe.
Estonia: changes in the terms of housing subsidies
On 11 September 2024, Estonia changed the conditions for receiving a one-time rental assistance for Ukrainian refugees. Now, only those IDPs who applied within the first six months after receiving their first residence permit can receive financial assistance. The amount of assistance is up to €1,200 per family, regardless of income.
This innovation applies to Ukrainians who have been in the country for more than a year and are extending their temporary protection status. The new rules limit the possibilities of receiving housing assistance for those who have recently arrived.
Ireland: possible reduction of financial support
Ireland is also planning to review its support system for Ukrainian refugees. For a long time, the government has been providing significant financial payments to both refugees and hosts. The amount of these payments was up to €800 per month, which created some inequality in the housing market. The government now believes that this support system has a negative impact on the local housing market and disadvantages other tenants. However, while the government is discussing a possible reduction in financial support, there are no plans to remove it altogether for Ukrainian refugees. Ireland will continue to provide some assistance, but the conditions may become more stringent, which is a cause for concern among Ukrainians who are forced to rely on this support for survival.
Thus, the conditions for Ukrainian refugees in different European countries are changing, and for the most part, these changes are not in their favour. Growing tensions in society, economic difficulties and political motivations are forcing governments to reconsider their approaches to supporting IDPs. For many Ukrainians, this means a loss of financial assistance, shorter residence permits, stricter conditions for obtaining protection and more bureaucracy. This situation is forcing many IDPs to reconsider their plans for the future and look for other ways to ensure their stability.
