Social benefits to Ukrainians cost Germany €539M per month: The employment program has failed.

The German Audit Office (BRH) has published a report claiming that the government program for simplified employment of Ukrainians, Job-Turbo, has not yielded beneficial results. The program was expected to reach at least 400,000 Ukrainians in Germany, who would be offered employment after integration courses. The BRH audit showed that in 2023 only 20% of those who completed integration courses received a job offer from employment centers, and no Ukrainians were ever hired for a job. In 2024, 40% received an offer after completing the courses, and less than 1% got a job.

According to the BRH, about 720,000 Ukrainians are in Germany, including 500,000 able-bodied people, and receive social assistance. Monthly expenses for this assistance amount to about €539M.

The problem of the low employment level of Ukrainians in Germany is also recognized in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy stated that in Germany at least 300,000 Ukrainians are not working and are not trying to find employment. So, when Germany stops providing social support, these Ukrainians will have to return.