German municipal authorities are voicing support for proposed changes to financial support for Ukrainian refugees, while simultaneously advocating for continued access to crucial integration resources. The German Association of Cities and Towns has indicated its agreement with plans to apply revised benefit structures – transitioning support from Bürgergeld (basic citizen’s income) to Asylbewerbergeld (benefits for asylum seekers) – only to those Ukrainians arriving in the future.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, the Association’s Chief Executive, Christian Schuchardt, emphasized the importance of maintaining immediate work authorization for Ukrainian refugees. He further stressed the necessity of ensuring continued access to vocational training, language courses and active labor market policies. Schuchardt urged legislators to explicitly address these provisions within the forthcoming legislation.
The Association also called for a transparent and efficient channeling of federal compensation funds – designed to offset increased costs associated with asylum seeker benefits – from state governments to local municipalities. Furthermore, they are requesting a streamlined solution for healthcare coverage for this population, aiming to prevent municipalities from bearing undue financial burdens related to these costs.