European Commission spokesperson Marcus Lammert said on 26 August in Brussels that while EU member states must provide Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection, the level of social benefits and medical assistance remains at each country’s discretion.

“Regarding social payments and medical payments. The level of social and family benefits differs from one member state to another,” Lammert said during the press briefing, according to European Pravda.

The spokesperson explained that according to EU directive, “member states must ensure, if beneficiaries do not have sufficient own resources, to provide persons enjoying temporary protection with the necessary assistance in the field of social welfare, medical assistance and means of subsistence.”

However, Lammert noted a crucial limitation: “The temporary protection directive does not provide for amounts or a minimum threshold of social assistance. Its level remains at the discretion of member states.”

“The necessary assistance is provided by the directive, but a threshold or minimum threshold is not provided. That’s what I can say,” he added.

The clarification comes as Poland prepares legislative changes affecting Ukrainian refugees. President Karol Nawrocki’s new bill would restrict aid to Ukrainians, limiting access to services and healthcare only to those citizens who work and pay contributions in Poland.

On 25 August, President Nawrocki vetoed the new version of the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens. He simultaneously announced a legislative initiative that would equate “Bandera symbols” with Nazi and Communist symbols in Poland’s Criminal Code.

Ukraine has warned Poland about intentions to “react” if the Sejm bans red-and-black symbolism.

Despite these tensions, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to Ukrainian refugees.

“Member states adopted the extension of temporary protection at the Home Affairs Council in July until 2027. By doing so, the EU strengthens its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes,” Lammert said.

The temporary protection directive requires EU countries to provide basic living conditions and medical care for Ukrainian refugees, but sets no minimum financial standards, leaving individual nations to determine benefit amounts and scope of medical assistance.