Germany to cut aid to refugees in half next year

Germany plans to halve next year the amount of aid allocated to the federal states to cover the costs of receiving and integrating refugees. The decision was taken as part of austerity measures amid rising inflation after several years of lavish spending.

This is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Reuters.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, more than 1 million people found refuge in Germany, and their support falls on the country's cities and municipalities. 16 German states are demanding an increase in federal funds to cover refugee costs next year.

Berlin informed the states on Monday that a maximum of 1.7 billion euros will be allocated to support refugees in 2024, up from 3.75 billion euros this year, said two government sources, who declined to be named because of the confidentiality of the meeting.

The German government did not promise that it would allocate funds in the amount of 2023 in the following years.

A representative of the Ministry of Finance said that a meeting of representatives of the federal and state governments on these issues, which took place on Monday, did not bring any results ahead of consultations with the chancellor scheduled for November.

"Essentially, the states are responsible for hosting and caring for refugees. The federal government is aware of the national aspect," added the press secretary.

The government will cancel its contribution to the costs of caring for Ukrainian refugees and their integration, the sources added.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 26/09/2023