German municipalities are seeking full and ongoing financial compensation from both the federal and state governments to cover costs associated with transitioning Ukrainian refugees from standard welfare benefits to benefits designated for asylum seekers. Ralph Spiegler, President of the German Association of Cities and Towns, detailed the request, emphasizing the need for complete cost relief following the proposed legislative change impacting the status of newly arriving refugees from Ukraine.
According to Spiegler, a simple cost-sharing arrangement is insufficient; rather, a full and permanent assumption of these costs by federal and state authorities is necessary. Municipalities estimate that the proposed shift in benefits eligibility will result in additional annual expenses totaling 1.3 billion euros. The municipalities’ request centers on ensuring financial stability as they adapt to the changes in social welfare provisions for Ukrainian refugees.
