Media: the EU began to revise the conditions for assistance to refugees from Ukraine

Foreign Policy reports that a new wave of refugees, which could be provoked by problems with electricity, water and heating in Ukraine, is unlikely to be welcomed by residents of European countries. In some countries, according to the publication, the attitude towards people fleeing the hostilities has begun to change. This is due to the rising cost of living in the EU, the protracted conflict in Ukraine and the statements of right-wing politicians.

In March of this year, the European Commission decided to activate a special mechanism to provide protection to Ukrainian refugees. It was assumed that he would allow them to stay in the European Union for a year, and if necessary, extend this period to 3 years.

The EU also promised them housing, medical care, education and work.

At the same time, The Washington Post writes that many Ukrainians are faced with the fact that these obligations are not properly fulfilled. In particular, refugees have problems with accommodation, employment and placement of children in kindergartens and schools. With reference to a study by Kantar Public, the publication reports that only 30% of Ukrainian refugees in the EU found work.

At the same time, some EU countries announced changes in the provision of assistance to refugees at the national level.

In Poland, by the end of the year, amendments will be adopted obliging Ukrainians to receive a national PESEL identification number in order to have access to social benefits. They will intensify the fight against the illegal receipt of benefits by refugees who left Poland and do not live there permanently. In addition, Ukrainian refugees will be required to partially pay for their stay in collective accommodation centers for more than 120 days.

In Austria, from November, Ukrainian refugees will be allowed free travel on public transport only during the first 24 hours after entering the country, and not permanently, as it is now.

In Belgium, Ukrainians living in the Ariane temporary accommodation center in Brussels were asked to find housing for themselves. The center is under the control of the Flemish Red Cross, a quarter of Ukrainians have been in it for more than 4 months, because of this they cannot accept refugees from other countries. As noted by The Brussels Times, this means that there will simply be no place for all Ukrainians in need of temporary accommodation.