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Ukrainian Refugees Contribute Twice as Much to Slovakia’s Budget as Aid Costs

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Ukrainian Refugees Contribute Twice as Much to Slovakia’s Budget as Aid Costs
People protest in Bratislava on April 24, 2025, against a planned law that would complicate the work of NGOs, organized by the Peace in Ukraine group under the slogan "No to the Russian Law." (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian refugees have contributed twice as much to Slovakia's budget as was spent on their aid, according to Slovakian news outlet Dennik N on May 9.

Ukrainians make up 40% of the over 122,000 foreign workers in Slovakia, and an estimate by the Institute for Financial Policy shows that they helped boost the country’s state revenues by €217 million ($230 million) last year. This increase came through income tax, mandatory contributions, and value-added tax, Dennik N reported.

Meanwhile, the total cost of refugee assistance during the same period amounted to €98 million ($104 million), largely covering housing support and education for Ukrainian children. Notably, two-thirds of these expenses were funded by the European Union.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Slovakia has been a key contributor to Ukraine's defense, providing military aid such as MiG-29 fighter jets, a S-300 air defense system, and helicopters, totaling around €690 million ($730 million). The country also received €82 million ($87 million) in compensation from the European Peace Facility for its contributions.

Despite this, in late 2023, Slovakia's government, under Prime Minister Robert Fico, announced a halt to all military aid to Ukraine, citing a shift in political priorities.

However, Slovakia continues to offer humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies and generators, and Slovak citizens have organized fundraising campaigns, such as the "Ammunition for Ukraine" initiative, which raised €600,000 ($640,000) for Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Moscow to participate in Victory Day parade marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II, according to Reuters on May 9.

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