The European Commission has expressed its position on Poland's intentions to reduce assistance to Ukrainians
The representative of the European Commission, Markus Lammerth, noted that Member States are obliged to ensure that Ukrainians under temporary protection have access to medical care and social benefits. However, each country must determine the extent of these benefits independently.
'Member States must provide individuals under temporary protection with necessary assistance in the form of social security, medical care, and material resources, if the beneficiaries themselves lack sufficient funds,' he stated.
Lammerth reminded that EU countries receive funding from European funds to alleviate the burden of supporting war refugees.
Social Assistance for Temporary Refugees
Ukrainians under temporary protection in Poland are entitled to child benefits and free access to education and medical services. However, President Karol Nawrocki blocked the decision to extend these benefits until March 2026, requiring that social assistance be available only to officially employed Ukrainians. This sparked a debate in parliament.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Poland has accepted about a million Ukrainians seeking refuge from the conflict. The country remains an important ally and transit corridor for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The representative of the European Commission expressed support for the necessity of providing Ukrainians under temporary protection with necessary assistance from Member States, while Poland considers issues regarding the restriction of social benefits for this category of people. Ukrainians affected by the war in their country deserve a decent standard of living and support in foreign countries where they seek refuge.