Two-thirds of residents of Germany support the cancellation of civil benefits for Ukrainian refugees and the return of conscription-age men to Ukraine, according to an INSA survey for Bild.
The majority of Germans are against civil benefits (Bürgergeld) being paid to Ukrainian refugees and support the return of conscription-age men to Ukraine. This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the public opinion research institute INSA on behalf of the tabloid Bild. The results were published on the publication's website on Saturday, October 18.
When asked whether all Ukrainian refugees in Germany should receive civil benefits, only 17% of respondents answered "yes" or "rather yes." Two-thirds (66%) opposed this, answering a definite "no." Another 7% of respondents said they did not care, while 10% were unsure.
"Bürgergeld" Received by 700,000 Ukrainians
According to data from the German Federal Employment Agency, by March 2025, 701,000 Ukrainians were eligible for civil benefits, which are paid to job seekers and low-income individuals. Of these, 502,000 are of working age, meaning between 15 and 66 years old. Compared to last year, their number has decreased by about 4,300.
As of August 4, the number of Ukrainian refugees who are working and contributing to social security has increased by approximately 80,000 over the year, reaching 272,000 individuals.
The coalition agreement of the German government stipulates that Ukrainian refugees who arrive in Germany after April 1, 2025, will no longer receive basic social benefits and will fall under the asylum seeker benefits law.
Majority of Germans Support the Return of Conscription-Age Men to Ukraine
When asked whether Ukrainian men of conscription age living in Germany should return to Ukraine, 62% of Germans answered affirmatively. Only 18% opposed this. Another 8% said they did not care about the issue, while 12% did not provide an answer.
The survey was conducted on October 16 and 17, with 1,003 respondents participating.
