German officials debate low job rates for Ukrainian refugees and welfare reforms
Germany reports that Ukrainian war refugees have a much lower employment rate than peers in several European countries, prompting calls for changes to the Bürgergeld system.
German authorities have disclosed that Ukrainian war refugees who receive the Bürgergeld basic benefit are employed at a rate that trails many other EU states, including Poland, Lithuania, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. The figures, derived from the Federal Employment Agency and highlighted by AfD parliamentarian René Springer, show a stark contrast with the higher employment shares in those countries. Springer denounced the federal Job-Turbo initiative as ineffective and urged a shift from Bürgergeld to a specific support scheme for asylum seekers.
The Bürgergeld amount for a single recipient stands at 563 euros per month in 2026, plus housing and heating allowances, and the programme cost Germany roughly 6.3 billion euros in 2024. Economic researchers at the Ifo Institute argue that the benefit structure may dampen work incentives, as higher earnings lead to reduced state support. The issue is also linked to migrants’ choice of destination, with social benefits influencing their decisions.
Why it matters
Low employment among Ukrainian refugees strains Germany's welfare budget and raises questions about integration policies.
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