AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RECEPTION AND LABOUR MARKET INTEGRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN ROMANIA
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RECEPTION AND LABOUR MARKET INTEGRATION OF THE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN ROMANIA

Summary/Abstract: In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, causing one of the biggest humanitarian crises on the European continent since the end of the Cold War. The mass displacement of people has demanded swift solutions from decision-makers at all levels, from supranational to regional, national, and local. Given its neighboring country status, Romania had to come up with swift solutions for both the early management of the influx of people and their long-term integration due to the prolonged conflict. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the reception and labor market integration of the Ukrainian displaced persons in Romania in the February 2022–July 2024 timeframe. Despite the numerous policy measures implemented at the national level, Romania primarily functioned as a transit country. The overwhelming majority of Ukrainian nationals chose to move to neighboring countries like Poland because of the close ties and friendly relations that existed between the two countries prior to the conflict, or to more Western states like Germany, the Netherlands, or the United Kingdom due to the higher quality of the provided services, better economic conditions, and employment opportunities. The paper primarily employs qualitative methods, conducting a qualitative assessment of the most significant legislative acts that were developed during the first and second phases of the national emergency response. Simultaneously, it analyzes the unique scheme that was developed to provide assistance in covering accommodation and food expenses. While the interpretation of data compiled from surveys and polls provided valuable insights into Romanian citizens' opinions regarding the reception and labor market integration of Ukrainian refugees in the country, the National Agency for Employment's database gave a clear picture of the number and type of available employment opportunities and jobs filled by Ukrainian refugees.

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