As of this September 2024, Slovakia has seen the arrival of almost 126 000 people displaced from Ukraine. Their large number has underscored the urgent need for increased financial resources to support integration efforts in the country. 

Although integration measures and the involvement of local authorities have improved significantly in recent years, there remains insufficient systemic funding for local integration, for those from Ukraine in particular: while financial schemes exist, they fall short of covering the full scope of local integration needs, such as counseling, language courses, community activities, etc. Further, local authorities have highlighted the limitations in allocating shared taxes exclusively to foreigners with permanent residence, in so doing neglecting those with temporary residence, who represent the majority and whose integration requires the most substantial financial investment.

Recent concerns of local authorities also reflect a shift in the approach to long-term support for the integration of people displaced from Ukraine in Slovakia. In July 2024, housing subsidies were adjusted to provide long-term support to vulnerable groups only, with comprehensive assistance available for a maximum of 120 days after the granting of temporary protection. On 22 August the last and largest high-capacity assistance centre for people displaced from Ukraine in Bratislava, partially co-financed by the state, was closed, further transferring the responsibility of financing integration activities onto local authorities. Additionally, with the financial support from international organisations for these projects coming to an end, local governments are now seeking new and sustainable funding options for the support of economic, educational, cultural, social, and language integration.