Housing is a cornerstone of stability for migrants and refugees, playing a vital role in their successful integration into society. The affordability and stability of housing solutions are critical components of this process. In this article the EWSI country expert for Slovakia outlines recent changes to the country's housing context and their impact.

In Slovakia - as in various other EU countries - refugees face numerous obstacles in their search for stable housing due to the general lack of housing solutions available to populations seeking international protection, compounded by a broader shortage of affordable housing and an underdeveloped public rental housing sector provided by local authorities.

For holders of temporary protection from Ukraine in Slovakia, the most persistent issue lies in the gaps in systematic mid- and long-term housing solutions, which are necessary to facilitate a seamless transition from an emergency response focus to long-term integration and stability. While Slovakia has been providing comprehensive housing support to people displaced from Ukraine who have temporary protection status, changes introduced in 2024 have significantly altered this landscape.

Starting in March 2024, the total amount of subsidies paid to housing facility owners in Slovakia was reduced, and in July 2024, the subsidy programme was further restricted. Comprehensive housing support remains available to temporary protection holders for only 120 days following the granting of their status. Beyond this period, long-term support is limited to individuals classified as "vulnerable" under the law, including those in material need, single parents with children under 5, legal guardians of children, individuals with severe disabilities, and those aged 65 and older. Additionally, as of July 2024, business entities are ineligible for housing allowances, leading to the termination of housing for vulnerable groups in commercial collective accommodations.

In response to this shift, local authorities have taken more active roles in addressing housing needs. For instance, the Košice local authority introduced a one-time financial contribution of € 500, funded by a transparent local authority account dedicated solely to Ukrainian refugee support. This scheme also includes flexible provisions for individuals deserving special consideration due to their life circumstances. It targets temporary protection holders residing in Košice, specifically parents or legal guardians with small children who are working part-time or earning a minimal wage, families with incomes up to 1.2 times the minimum subsistence level, and individuals or families requiring special consideration.

Other local authorities, for instance Bratislava, are also exploring and implementing measures to improve housing accessibility and affordability (not only) for Ukrainian refugees. In the case of Bratislava, the approach involves broadening the criteria for accessing municipal rental housing, thereby expanding the range of potential recipients. This is complemented by an overall improvement in the municipal housing policy. 

While these efforts do not serve to replace the need for an effective and comprehensive state-regulated mid- and long-term housing strategy for refugees and migrants in Slovakia, they aim to address the ongoing challenges and create more stable housing opportunities to support long-term integration, and represent a step forward at the municipal level.