Ukrainians fleeing the war and seeking refuge in European countries can count on various types of social support, but the amount and availability of assistance vary significantly from country to country. The highest monthly payments are currently recorded in Belgium — around €1,300 per adult, and this amount is regularly indexed.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union activated the Temporary Protection Directive. It gives Ukrainians access to medical care, housing, education and the labour market in EU countries. At the same time, each member state determines the amount and format of social benefits independently.
In Germany, Ukrainian refugees are treated the same as local unemployed people: they get 563 euros a month, health insurance, and rent compensation. Poland, which took in one of the biggest flows of Ukrainians, doesn’t offer monthly financial assistance right now, but it does keep benefits for healthcare, education, and child support.
Hungary has tightened restrictions on temporary protection for Ukrainians, particularly those who arrived from western Ukraine, considering these areas to be ‘safe.’ As a result, thousands of refugees have been left without access to housing. The amount of assistance is only €55 per adult.
In Sweden, Ukrainians receive daily payments totalling €180-190 per month for adults. Child benefits amount to approximately €140. Although basic support is also provided here, medical care is mainly limited to emergency assistance.
In the United Kingdom, there is a support system through the Homes for Ukraine programme, which encourages citizens to provide free accommodation to refugees. The government pays landlords around €400 per month. Ukrainians themselves receive various payments depending on their age, marital status and other circumstances.
In general, the amount and conditions of assistance for Ukrainian refugees in Europe vary. Belgium and Germany remain the most financially supportive, while in Hungary and Poland, support is minimal or declining.
Read also: A photo exhibition entitled “Fragments of People” about the war in Ukraine has opened in Lithuania.
