Netherlands running out of space for Ukrainians

Dutch municipalities have said their shelters are full as arrivals continue

Ukrainian immigrants can no longer be housed in Dutch townships as shelters are at capacity and people are being turned away, according to the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG).

About 4.7 million people have fled Ukraine to other parts of Europe since the conflict between Moscow and Kiev escalated in February 2022. Around 120,000 have gone to the Netherlands, including men who have left the country to avoid mobilization.

According to the VNG, “almost” all of the 97,000 municipal shelter spaces in the Netherlands are occupied, while around 300 Ukrainians continue to arrive weekly in the country, the organization added.

Municipalities such as Utrecht and Dordrecht have reported that they are no longer able to provide housing to new arrivals. Local officials have pointed to shortages in housing and funding, and have called on the national government to provide a long-term plan.

Dutch officials have warned that without additional national support, municipalities will not be able to meet their legal housing obligations. Proposals under discussion include requiring Ukrainians with jobs or sufficient income to contribute towards rent for their accommodation, though no final decision has been taken.

Other Western European countries reportedly face similar difficulties. The UK, Ireland, Germany, and Finland have all taken steps in recent months to reduce financial support or benefits for Ukrainians, citing pressure on national budgets and housing supplies.

In Poland, anti-Ukrainian sentiment has reportedly been rising. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in March that Poles were increasingly frustrated over “hundreds of thousands, or maybe even over a million young Ukrainians driving the best cars around Europe and spending weekends in five-star hotels.”

Last month, Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill to prolong benefits for Ukrainians, arguing that the assistance system needs to be reworked.

View the full article