A trend has emerged in the European Union to decrease the amount of aid for Ukrainian refugees. Governments of individual countries are reviewing the levels of social benefits, housing provisions, and support, explaining this by the need to save public funds and the increasing self-sufficiency of the displaced persons.
This is reported by Finway
Changes in Payments and Living Conditions
In Germany, over a million Ukrainians receive social support, which includes a monthly payment of 563 euros per adult, rent compensation, and health insurance. However, the federal government has announced a reduction in payments for those arriving after April 2025, and Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder is initiating cuts in aid for all Ukrainians to a level of 353–441 euros, equating it to standard payments for other refugees.
In Poland, from October 31, 2025, mass accommodation of Ukrainians in collective centers is planned to be discontinued. Free housing and food will remain only for children, pensioners, people with disabilities, and elderly men and women. Additionally, border control and document requirements will be tightened, and obtaining PESEL for children will only be possible in their presence.
The Situation in Other European Countries
In Hungary, from the summer of 2024, refugees from the western regions of Ukraine will no longer have access to free accommodation in shelters, as the authorities consider these regions “safe.” Social benefits here are significantly lower — 55 euros per adult and 34 euros per child per month.
In Belgium, support for Ukrainian refugees remains one of the highest in Europe — around 1300 euros per month for adults. The state guarantees health insurance, housing assistance, and subsidies for furniture or medical supplies. So far, the government has not announced plans to reduce aid, although political pressure in this direction is increasing.
In Sweden, Ukrainians receive monthly assistance of 180–190 euros for adults and almost 140 euros for children. Medical assistance is limited to emergency services, but funding for basic needs, such as winter clothing, is possible.
In the United Kingdom, priority is given to housing support through the Homes for Ukraine program, which provides compensation of 400 euros per month for Britons who offer free accommodation to displaced persons. Additionally, there are separate payments for children, pensioners, and a one-time aid for newcomers, but the overall level of monthly support is lower than in many EU countries.
Finland plans to stop funding language courses, employment programs, and introductory lectures for refugees starting in 2026. Ukrainians are the main recipients of this support — in 2025, their share will be 66%, and in 2026 it is expected to rise to 75%. The anticipated savings for the budget are 317 million euros, but municipalities warn of possible difficulties in adapting the displaced persons.
Thus, most European countries are reducing financial support for Ukrainian refugees, leaving full assistance only for the most vulnerable categories of the population. This is related to the need to optimize public spending and confidence in the ability of most displaced persons to meet their own needs.