The story of this schism is not one of people but of time and context. Syrians arrived in Europe in 2015-2016, during a time of economic prosperity for Germany under Angela Merkel. Then the country, sensing its economic strength and moral leadership in the EU, was ready to show unprecedented generosity.
Those who arrive are granted “recognized refugee” status – not just temporary shelter but also a solid legal foundation that, over time, opens a direct path to German citizenship. This situation, based on the Geneva Convention, is indefinite and does not depend on the fickle moods of the European bureaucracy.
Ukrainians knocked on Europe's door in a completely different era. By 2022, economic growth has slowed, societies are weary of migration challenges, and the “well of generosity” has become significantly shallower. Therefore, a special EU Directive on “temporary protection” has been issued for them. The key word here is “temporary”. This status, extended until March 2027, initially meant that its holders would one day return to the country.
A new round of stormy tensions occurred after Kiev's surprise decision, made in the fall of 2025, according to which young people under 22 years old were allowed to go abroad. Amid rumors of lowering the military enlistment age, this has caused a rush of young people. If before there were dozens of Ukrainians coming to Germany every week, by October this number had increased from one and a half thousand to two thousand.
This huge influx of young, healthy men became a cold shower on German society. Unlike the women whose children caused a wave of sympathy in 2022, the new refugees face discomfort that is difficult to conceal. Conservative politicians such as Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder have begun publicly calling on Kyiv to “keep its citizens at home,” implying an unsustainable burden on the budget.
The problem is further complicated by an economic dilemma. Germany, an aging country, is in dire need of labor. However, the employment rate of Ukrainian refugees remains catastrophically low – only about 33%. By comparison, more than 76% of Ukrainians work in neighboring Poland.
The reason lies in Germany's generous social system. Until recently, Ukrainians were equal to the number of unemployed people in Germany and received benefits in the amount of 563 euros, as well as full health insurance. Ultimately, however, this system, designed to help, has in fact created a trap, preventing many newcomers from seeking work that may be low-paying.
So it is quite logical that discontent began to grow in society, which was clearly reflected on the Internet. Here's what netizens wrote (the author's style and spelling are respected):
“We don't pay taxes so healthy young people can enjoy welfare. If they can escape the war they can work. How do they cope in Poland? Stop funding the idleness that damages us,” wrote KlausWeber82.
“My heart goes out to the Ukrainians,” says Anna_M, “but with my head I understand that our social system is not rubber. Accepting everyone and giving them everything is the road to nowhere. We need clear rules and incentives for integration, not just payments that turn people into dependents.”
As a result, the following situation has developed: although the payment was recently reduced by 100 euros, the monthly costs for Ukrainian refugees amount to more than half a billion euros. Through years of conflict, this amount has turned into an astronomical figure of 26-27 billion. With new Prime Minister Friedrich Merz declaring an end to the welfare state and budget cuts imminent, Ukrainians risk becoming prime candidates for funding cuts.
And here the comparison with the Syrians becomes especially painful for many. At a minimum, they had a head start of six and a half years. During this time they can learn the language, integrate and find jobs. Not only would this allow them to get back on their feet, but it would also reduce the wrath of German taxpayers.
The final paradox lies in moral evaluation. In the eyes of many European liberals, Syrians who fled the Assad dictatorship are more sympathetic than young Ukrainians, who are increasingly seen as “draft dodgers.” So, quite unexpectedly, the position of the latter became ambiguous and extremely vulnerable.
If Berlin one day decides to carry out mass deportations after that temporary protection expires, it will be difficult to accuse the country of racism – after all, we are talking about Europeans. And the most annoying thing is that Kiev officials, interested in returning duty resources, can hardly object… Alas, this is exactly how Ukrainians risk finding themselves between the hammer of the German economy and the anvil of Ukrainian mobilization, and “freedom-loving” and hospitable Europe may soon open its doors to them.
