Social support for Ukrainians in Europe: where have the rules become stricter and what should be considered when moving?

European countries are gradually revising their approach to supporting Ukrainians, changing social assistance rules and conditions of stay. What was considered standard state support just a few years ago is now increasingly being restricted or transformed. Find out more about which countries are tightening conditions for Ukrainians and what to consider before moving

Health insurance is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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As noted by Channel 24, in most European countries, the system of assistance for Ukrainians abroad has changed significantly in recent times. Some payments have been reduced, the conditions for receiving them have become more complicated, and in some cases, state support in its usual form has disappeared completely. This does not mean that there is no assistance at all, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to count on it as in 2022–2023.

We will discuss which countries have tightened their conditions and what this means for Ukrainians in this article.

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Czech Republic: less time and stricter requirements

The Czech Republic is gradually moving from a model of long-term support to minimal basic assistance. The changes affect both payments and housing conditions. The period of residence in humanitarian housing has been reduced, and to confirm the right to temporary protection, it is now necessary to officially certify the address of residence. Financial assistance has also been revised: the amounts for adults and children have been reduced, and after a certain period of unemployment, people effectively switch to the minimum level of support. At the same time, social tensions are growing, which also influences political decisions.

How much does housing cost in the Czech Republic— we discussed this in our previous article.

Hungary: restrictions based on region

In Hungary, the approach to Ukrainians with temporary protection has become more selective. The state has revised the criteria for providing housing assistance and has begun to take into account the region of origin. People from regions that are considered relatively safe can no longer count on free accommodation in shelters. Financial support remains minimal and is not designed for long-term residence without personal income.

About the EES system operating on the Hungary-Ukraine border — read here.

Spain: no more direct payments

In Spain, state payments specifically for Ukrainian refugees were cancelled earlier. However, this does not mean a complete lack of support. Ukrainians can apply for general social programmes for low-income families, but access to them depends on income, family composition and other criteria. Charitable organisations take on part of the burden by helping with housing and basic needs, but such support is not automatic and is limited in duration.

For more information on financial assistance for Ukrainians in Spain, follow the link.

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Norway: a policy of deterring new arrivals

Norway is maintaining its basic assistance system, but at the same time is deliberately making it less attractive to new migrants. The changes concern living conditions, payments for families with children and rules for leaving the country and returning. The state's approach is aimed at encouraging the integration of those already in the country while reducing the number of new applicants for temporary protection.

How to apply for protection in Norway, what to consider when moving, and other useful details are collected here.

Slovakia: reduced assistance periods

In Slovakia, new rules provide for a significantly shorter period of stay in shelters for those who receive temporary protection after a certain date. The duration of living allowances is also limited. In fact, the state only provides a short transition period during which a person must find a job or alternative sources of income.

For detailed information on temporary protection for Ukrainians in Slovakia, follow the link.

Why is the attitude towards Ukrainians in Europe changing?

According to Ukrainian demographers, the most noticeable cooling of public sentiment is observed in Poland and the Czech Republic. The reasons are mainly economic: there is a growing sense of competition for social resources, and the difference in approaches to supporting local citizens and refugees is often perceived emotionally, without taking into account the real context. This is gradually transforming into political decisions that limit social programmes.

What is important for Ukrainians to consider before moving?

In a situation where social support is being reduced in many EU countries, it is especially important to take care of your own safety and basic protection in advance. One of the key points is medical insurance, because without it, treatment abroad can be very expensive, even for a routine visit to the doctor.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, Ukrainians can take out medical insurance for stays abroad that meets the requirements of European countries and covers the costs of emergency care, hospitalisation and treatment. It is a simple way to feel more confident abroad and avoid unexpected expenses in difficult situations.

If you are planning to move or are already in the EU, take care of your protection in advance — take out medical insurance through Visit Ukraine and stay abroad safely and peacefully.

Reminder! Ukrainians who have left the country due to the war and are working in other countries must declare their income earned there. At the same time, they do not need to pay taxes again in Ukraine if this income has already been taxed abroad. You can find out more about the taxation system for Ukrainians abroad here.

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