Disaster Response Romania Project #55605

Help for Ukrainian refugees

by Te Aud Romania

Project Report | May 26, 2026
Invisible Yet Present

By Gabriela Popescu | Project Leader

In recent months, Romania has been navigating a period of political instability and economic pressure following the collapse of the government after a prolonged period of austerity. This context has amplified existing structural challenges: high fiscal deficits, rising public debt, and weak economic growth, combined with inflation and reduced purchasing power. Economic forecasts indicate near-stagnation in 2026 (around 0.1% growth) and declining household consumption, as fiscal consolidation and rising costs continue to affect vulnerable populations most directly. At the same time, political uncertainty is affecting investor confidence and the predictability of public policies, creating a broader climate in which social needs are increasing while available resources remain constrained.

Within this shifting landscape, the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Romania is also evolving. While over 208,000 refugees continue to benefit from temporary protection, and thousands are still accessing protection, counselling, and livelihood services, their presence is gradually becoming less visible in public attention. As Romania faces mounting internal challenges, the needs of refugees risk being deprioritized—not because they have diminished, but because new and competing pressures are emerging across society. This is further compounded by a significant humanitarian funding gap (with only around 21% of required funds secured for 2026), which directly affects the continuity and scale of support services. In this context, sustained engagement from partners and donors becomes even more important to prevent gaps in assistance and ensure that progress made over the past years is not lost.

In response, our organisation continues to prioritize long-term integration—especially for children, where the need remains constant regardless of shifting public attention. Through our ongoing presence in schools where Ukrainian refugee children are enrolled, we focus on creating safe, shared environments that support inclusion, well-being, and participation.

As part of the „Învata sa fii sanatos” programme in Bucharest, 107 children aged 6 to 11 from Scoala Gimnaziala nr. 2 Jilava participated between April and May 2026 in regular sports activities—including football, athletics, and basketball—benefiting from four sessions per week. On 26 May 2026, 23 children aged 8–9, together with United Way volunteers, will take part in athletics activities and a session on healthy living focused on the nutrition pyramid. These activities provide more than physical exercise—they create structured opportunities for interaction between Romanian and Ukrainian children, strengthening social bonds and easing integration.

Similar activities have been implemented in Suceava under the same framework, contributing to the development of healthy habits, teamwork, and a sense of belonging within mixed groups of children.

These interventions are intentionally consistent and community-based. In a context where attention shifts quickly and resources are increasingly stretched, continuity becomes a form of stability—especially for children who have already experienced disruption. Small, regular activities in schools can make a significant difference in maintaining confidence, routine, and connection.

As the broader context becomes more complex, our work highlights a simple reality: integration is not a one-time response, but a long-term process that requires sustained support. Without continued investment, there is a real risk that vulnerable groups—including refugee children—are left behind as priorities shift.

We will return soon with a more detailed report on our ongoing work for and with the Ukrainian community, including further insights into integration outcomes and emerging needs.

Your continued support ensures that these efforts remain possible—especially at a time when they are becoming less visible, but no less necessary.

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