Most Germans oppose payments to Ukrainian refugees

The majority of German citizens do not support the payment of Bürgergeld social assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the INSA Institute for Public Opinion Research on behalf of Bild .

According to the survey, 66% of Germans oppose all Ukrainian refugees receiving social assistance. Only 17% of respondents support providing benefits to all Ukrainians temporarily residing in Germany.

In addition, 62% of respondents believed that men of conscription age should return to Ukraine, while 18% opposed this idea.

Bild notes that approximately 700,000 Ukrainians in Germany receive approximately €6.3 billion in social assistance annually. However, only one in three Ukrainians living in the country is employed.

Reference:
Bürgergeld (German for “citizens’ money”) is a state aid for able-bodied individuals who are temporarily unemployed. It has been in effect since January 1, 2023, and includes a basic payment of €563 per month for single individuals, as well as coverage for housing and health insurance.

As a reminder, the Polish Senate approved, without any amendments, a bill on foreigners and assistance to Ukrainians residing in the country due to the war. The document extends the legal status of Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2026, but simultaneously strengthens the conditions for providing financial and social support.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk also stated that Ukraine must prepare a social support system for refugees planning to return from abroad.