Tightening of German Courses for Asylum Seekers Announced

Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) announced a stricter approach to mandatory German courses for those entitled to asylum on Thursday. In the future, social benefits may be reduced if courses are not attended. Plakolm cited similar regulations in Upper Austria or Lower Austria as a model, which she would like to see implemented nationwide. The new regulation is set to take effect from 2026, and Plakolm's department plans to present a cabinet proposal soon.

The initiative was already announced in the government program, according to which a mandatory integration program for those entitled to protection and asylum with a high probability of staying is to be introduced - including competency screening as well as values and German language instruction. The government program also foresees penalties, such as co-payments, if German courses are not passed.

"Those who want to live with us must become part"

Plakolm announced on Thursday at a press point in the Federal Chancellery that this initiative is to come into force from 2026. In the future, mere attendance in German courses will no longer be sufficient. If no German course is completed, co-payments and consequences such as the reduction of social benefits will apply. There will also be final exams on what has been learned, according to the minister. A "targeted approach to illiterates, especially from Syria and Afghanistan," is also planned, as stated in a written statement from Plakolm's office to the APA.

"Those who want to live with us must become part," said Plakolm. This includes learning the German language, striving for a job, and adhering to the "rules and values." "We expect this from everyone who wants a long-term perspective." Learning the German language will be a "very central component."

Decrease in Asylum Grants

Plakolm emphasized, with regard to declining asylum application numbers, that she expects less resource deployment. Compared to the previous year, the number of asylum grants is expected to decrease by two-thirds, and accordingly, the funds in the regular budget for 2025 and 2026 will also be adjusted, as stated from her office. With the future new possibility for sanctions, it is also expected that fewer course offerings will be necessary. In 2024, budget funds of 60 million euros were planned, with an additional 67 million euros available as authorization. For the years 2025 and 2026, a total of 87 million euros each will be available, said Plakolm.

When asked about the specific ideas regarding the sanctions, the minister said she would present a proposal before the summer. "We are strongly oriented towards what we know as 'best practice' from the federal states." She referred, for example, to Upper Austria and Lower Austria, where up to 50 percent of social benefits would be cut if someone does not participate in the German or values courses, according to the minister.

FPÖ sees "at best patchwork"

Criticism came from the FPÖ: The announced tightening in connection with courses and social assistance is "at best patchwork," said Secretary General Michael Schnedlitz. One must now "get down to business": "Not a cent more in social benefits for asylum seekers, no more access rights for them to the social system, social benefits only for Austrians." One should not shy away from "the possible conflict with the Brussels immigration fanatics for the benefit of Austrians."

The plans are seen as not implementable in the announced form by European law expert Walter Obwexer from the University of Innsbruck: "Austria must comply with applicable Union law in mandatory integration measures," he told the "Presse" (online). The announced measures are in any case "not in conformity with Union law and would therefore need to be modified." Obwexer cited a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) from February 2025 as the reason. According to the "Presse," it involved an Eritrean who was granted international protection in the Netherlands and who had filed a lawsuit against the country after being fined and required to repay the loan granted for the course due to not successfully completing a course.

Generally providing lower social benefits or fines for not completing integration courses would therefore violate Union law, Obwexer said in the "Presse." This also applies, for example, to the German course model in Upper Austria: "It was permissible until the ruling in February 2025, now it is no longer."

(APA/Red)

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