Dispute over Ukraine aid in Dresden: Who receives the funding?

Dispute over Ukraine aid in Dresden: Who receives the funding?

Things are simmering in Dresden: Aid to Ukraine is at a crossroads, and that is causing considerable discussion. Natalija Bock, who was previously seen as the face of Ukraine aid in the city, announced that she would continue her activities - but her organization, the Platform Dresden, is facing financial challenges. Bock and her team support around 10,000 refugees from Ukraine. In a city that provided funding through the end of 2024, recent decisions point to profound changes. How MDR reports, the city will in future provide 100,000 euros per year for Ukraine aid, but through a tender process. The contract for this went to the Dresden Foreigners' Council.

The situation is causing quite a stir: In addition to the outrage among the affected Ukrainians, the Ukrainian ambassador is also speaking out. The decision met with criticism in the city council; The CDU parliamentary group in particular would like to see the current offer continued. The Greens have already requested access to the files and are pushing for sensitive handling of the existing structures and actors.

Turning point in help

The handover of responsibility to the Foreigners' Council, which has been supporting refugees for 35 years and employs over 110 people, raises questions. Did the city perhaps also want to provide new impetus for work to promote integration? This concern could be supported by the creation of a new Ukrainian center in Dresden. According to information from City of Dresden This center plans to be a platform for social and integration-promoting projects that is aimed not only at the Ukrainian community, but at urban society as a whole.

The focus here should be on promoting personal responsibility. The aim is to improve access to work, education, health and housing by December 31, 2026. These ambitious project goals are in line with the views from Brussels, which are supported through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). The Federal Agency for Civic Education states that such funds are crucial for the integration of third-country nationals and can significantly improve living conditions. The city has already allocated budget funds of 100,000 euros for 2025 and 2026 to support such initiatives.

Resources for refugee projects

But the aid landscape is complex and multi-layered. From the European Social Fund to various foundations to special programs for refugees – the options are extensive. Support for projects that promote integration is crucial so that both the relatives of refugees and urban cohesion can benefit. Above all, there is also the opportunity to provide the necessary resources for a long-term and sustainable offer through funds such as those from AMIF or local foundations.

The developments surrounding aid to Ukraine in Dresden are both a challenge and an opportunity. To ensure that refugees are doing well and integrating into urban society, all actors should pull together. The city is mindful of the expectations, demands and concerns of the various interest groups. Whether these various efforts will be successful remains to be seen in the near future. A constant flow of communication between the actors is essential in order to create an optimal network.