States demand reversal of cuts to refugee integration programs
State Integration Ministers Demand Federal Government Reverse Cuts to Integration Courses
State integration ministers are calling on the federal government to reverse its cuts to integration courses, arguing that they should once again be free of charge for Ukrainian refugees, EU citizens, and individuals with tolerated stay status who wish to participate voluntarily. Verena Schäffer (Green Party), chair of the Conference of State Integration Ministers, made the demand on Thursday following a meeting in Essen, emphasizing that successful integration requires reliable structures, clear political frameworks, and, above all, long-term prospects.
Integration courses are designed for people with little or no German language skills. According to the Federal Interior Ministry, priority for participation is given to refugees with a long-term right to remain. In practice, however, this policy excludes more than half of previous participants—including newly arrived Ukrainian refugees.
Schäffer, North Rhine-Westphalia's integration minister, stressed that language is a key factor in integration. Without sufficient proficiency, access to education, the labor market, and social participation often remains out of reach. She criticized the federal government's argument that the workplace is the best path to integration as "cynical," noting that it is often unclear how long refugees will stay in Germany.
The Conference of State Integration Ministers also insists that the federal government continue funding independent asylum procedure counseling—a program the Interior Ministry, under Alexander Dobrindt, has signaled it plans to cut. Reports suggest the funding could be eliminated entirely by the end of 2026.
The ministers argue that such counseling is essential for smooth asylum procedures, easing the burden on migration authorities at both federal and state levels while improving efficiency and ensuring applicants are better informed. Aid organizations have condemned the austerity plans since they were first announced.
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