Germany’s association of cities, the Deutscher Städtetag, has voiced support for proposed changes to financial support for Ukrainian refugees, specifically the planned transition from Bürgergeld (basic income) to Asylbewerbergeld (asylum seeker benefits) for newly arriving individuals. Christian Schuchardt, the organization’s Chief Executive, indicated this position in a statement to the “Rheinische Post” newspaper.
The Städtetag emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted immediate work authorization for Ukrainian refugees. However, it simultaneously called for guaranteed access to qualifications, language courses and active labor market policy instruments as crucial components of their integration. Schuchardt stated that clarification on these provisions should be included in the upcoming legislative process.
The association further stressed the need for federal funding earmarked for asylum seeker benefits to be fully passed down to municipalities by the individual states. It also urged the development of a streamlined solution for healthcare coverage for this population, explicitly stating that the associated costs should not be borne by local authorities. This financial sustainability, the Städtetag argues, is essential for the ongoing support of Ukrainian refugees within the German system.
