Eugen Bogdan Preda is the National Integration Coordinator at the Romanian National Council for Refugees, where he spearheaded efforts to integrate displaced individuals, particularly in response to the Ukrainian conflict. With over a decade of experience in refugee assistance, Eugen’s leadership as Head of the National Integration Department underscores his unwavering commitment to aiding those in need.
Please tell us about your role(s) during the humanitarian crisis.
I will briefly tell you what happened. In February 2022, I got an urgent call from my coordinator saying that war had broken out in Ukraine, and I needed to head to the border. We had this Integration Department set up under UNHCR funding, where I usually worked as an integration counselor. But given the chaos unfolding, they thought I should check out the border situation for a few days.
At first, like everyone else, I thought the war might end soon. But as days passed, it became clear this was serious. We had dealt with regional issues before, like in Moldova and eastern Ukraine, but nothing on this scale. So, on the 25th of February, I hit the road and got to the border.
When I arrived, my initial job was to provide legal counsel on asylum and help people access basic services as they arrived. Then I visited several ad hoc refugee camps in schools and hospitals etc., and supported them with counselling. I was there for about three weeks until I finally made it back to Bucharest on the 18th of March. It was intense, but every moment reminded me why I got into this line of work in the first place – to help those who need it most, no matter how tough the going gets.
Which were the most difficult moments?
The most difficult moments were mainly logistical challenges. The weather, particularly in the northern part of Romania, was cold, especially at night. Initially, there was a lack of coordination among organizations, causing chaos. Language barriers also posed challenges, although volunteers from the border region, including ethnic Ukrainians and Romanian speakers, helped mitigate this. Finding accommodation was tough due to full hotels and houses. However, solutions were found for specific cases. Another challenge was explaining asylum procedures to refugees, especially those without proper documentation, which could be daunting for them. Overall, navigating these challenges over the three-week period was tough but essential in providing assistance.
Which were the most meaningful moments?
The most meaningful moments for me were when refugees expressed gratitude for the counseling and understanding they gained. It was touching to hear them say, “Now I understand what I need to do,” or “I have a plan for the future.” Particularly moving were interactions with mothers and children, as many men could not leave the country. Seeing them gain clarity and hope after our discussions was incredibly fulfilling. Providing guidance and clarity in uncertain times was the most impactful aspect of my work.
Please tell us about your organization and how it contributes to addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Our organization, the Romanian National Council for Refugees, was established in the late 1990s, in 1998. Since then, we have been recognized as a public utility organization, operating under a special status granted by the Romanian authorities. Initially focused on providing legal assistance and counseling to asylum seekers and beneficiaries of protection, we have expanded our scope over the years.
With the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, our efforts intensified. We extended our services to all border points with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as key cities for integration. Despite downsizing after the conclusion of certain projects in 2023, such as our partnership with the UN, we remain committed to our mission. We continue to operate a national hotline and provide counseling services, adapting to evolving needs and challenges. Presently, we are focusing on supporting approximately seventy-seven thousand individuals in various aspects of their integration journey.
What worked well regarding the (Romanian/regional) efforts to address the humanitarian crisis?
The collaboration between non-governmental organizations and the government worked well in addressing the humanitarian crisis. The government recognized our resources and manpower, appreciating our contributions. In return, they cooperated with us openly, which was crucial. For instance, they modified legislation to provide adequate assistance to beneficiaries of the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the challenges, such as the high number of medical cases, the government continued to support free medical care and financial schemes for accommodation and food. This sustained assistance, including emergency financial aid programs, demonstrates a commitment to supporting those in need. Overall, this collaboration has been instrumental in providing sustained assistance to affected individuals, ensuring their needs are met both practically and financially.
What could have worked better?
It is hard to say but I am giving you my perspective. Our response was somewhat caught off guard by the crisis, particularly in regions unaccustomed to such humanitarian emergencies. The absence of a comprehensive plan tailored to handle sudden influxes of refugees, especially in northern Romania, meant we had to improvise on a large scale.
Ideally, Romania should have had a more robust framework ready to address mass migrations. Moreover, the crisis occurring so close to our borders, despite Romania’s EU membership, highlighted the importance of proactive planning and risk assessment. Despite Europe’s history with crises in regions like Gaza and Afghanistan, we seemed unprepared for such events hitting so close to home. Normally the large distance delays the influx of refugees and gives one time to prepare.
Looking back, a more proactive approach to risk assessment and contingency planning would have better equipped us to respond effectively. This would have required not only improved coordination among governmental agencies but also a deeper understanding of the potential risks posed by conflicts in neighboring regions.
What are you focusing on in your work now?
Currently, our focus lies primarily on integration, counseling for access to social and economic opportunities, and community empowerment. We are also heavily engaged in monitoring legislation and advocating for refugee rights. Our work involves providing feedback on policy changes, such as the format of protection documents, and addressing issues of discrimination and extremist speech. As we enter the third year of the conflict in Ukraine, we’re closely watching for any indications from the European Union regarding the future of temporary protection measures. With elections looming, we are particularly attuned to potential shifts in migration policies and their impact on refugees. These ongoing concerns shape our efforts to ensure the well-being and rights of those we serve.
Any other thoughts and suggestions?
In addition to our focus on integration, we are encountering increasingly complex cases, especially involving vulnerable groups. While we are familiar with women and children refugees, we are also seeing a rise in cases involving patients with disabilities or the elderly. Responding to these diverse needs has become a priority. Medical cases and access to education are emerging challenges, as well as facilitating refugees’ participation in the labor market. Many are questioning their eligibility for citizenship, and signaling by this a desire to settle and integrate long-term. For those from regions like eastern Ukraine, where infrastructure has been decimated, returning is not an option. Their inquiries about citizenship procedures suggest a commitment to building a future in Romania.
Interview by Lutz Drieling
Photo by Clay Banks
