“We didn’t know what to expect here. But we felt safe.”

This was one of the most emotional testimonies heard during the focus group held by ADV Romania and Bethany Social Services Foundation as part of the EU4UA: A Comprehensive One-Stop Service for Refugees project. Team members Rodica Sobieski (ADV Romania) and Kristina Velyciko (Bethany) facilitated an open and powerful conversation with Ukrainian refugees from Romania to better understand their needs and challenges.

What participants shared

Deep gratitude towards Romania

Refugees openly expressed appreciation for the warm welcome: food, transport, temporary housing and a human attitude – especially from civil society organisations.

“When we arrived, we were disoriented and stressed. But Romania gave us peace.”

Recurring issues and persistent barriers

  1. Access to services has decreased compared to 2022–2023.

  2. Lack of legal and administrative support – from divorce procedures to diploma recognition.

  3. Inaccessible rent prices and housing insecurity.

  4. Romanian language remains a major barrier – especially in healthcare and employment.

  5. Professional training is often unrecognised – non-accredited certificates are not accepted by employers.

Their proposed solution

Participants strongly supported the idea of a centralised information and support hub – a one-stop place to access:

  • reliable and up-to-date information,

  • legal, medical and psychological support,

  • guidance for education and employment.

This vision confirms the direction of the EU4UA project: to develop, pilot and disseminate a comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint that supports the efficient social and labour market integration of Ukrainian refugees.

A safe space, a voice heard

For many, this was the first time they could speak openly about their trauma and their needs. The focus group created a trusted space – a key element in citizen-centred policymaking and co-creation processes.

What’s next

The insights gathered from this focus group, alongside findings from surveys and interviews with service providers, will inform the final design of the integration blueprint.