The Association of German Cities and Municipalities has called on the federal government to compensate for the additional costs arising from changes to the aid scheme for Ukrainians arriving in the country.
According to Die Welt, the association supports the shift to a new funding model, under which Ukrainians arriving after April 1 will receive assistance under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, rather than the previous citizen’s benefit payments (Bürgergeld).
Until now, Bürgergeld payments were covered by the federal budget. However, with the change, the financial burden will fall on the states and local authorities—raising concerns among municipalities. The association is therefore demanding immediate reimbursement of the additional expenses.
As part of an agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the coalition plans to assume the extra costs incurred by the transition to the new aid system.
In addition, in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the head of the association emphasized the need for a clear definition of the refugee status of Ukrainian nationals. He pointed out that the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive was originally intended as a short-term measure, but the current situation now calls for a reassessment of support systems and access to the labor market.
