Conference in Bucharest: “Two Years of Forced Displacement. Plans for the Future”

On April 26, 2024, Bucharest, Romania, hosted the conference “Two Years of Forced Displacement. Plans for the Future.” The event was organized by the Horenie Charitable Foundation, with the support of the Hanns Seidel Stiftung Ukraine. Together with co-organizers—the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, the Public Resources and Initiatives Charitable Foundation, and the Casa Mării Negre / Black Sea House Association—the conference provided a favorable atmosphere for a joint discussion of the current challenges faced by Ukrainian war refugees abroad.

The discussion covered the social integration of displaced Ukrainians in their host countries and, for those planning to return to Ukraine, the development of a roadmap for government structures and displaced persons to facilitate repatriation.

Key Participants and Topics

The conference gathered representatives of the Ukrainian community in Romania, non-governmental organizations, Romanian state institutions, international missions, and diplomats.

Participants highlighted the importance of societal consolidation and the creation of dialogue platforms to support Ukrainians abroad. Discussions focused on key issues, including:

• Extending temporary protection status and related legal and humanitarian aspects.
• Security planning and social support for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
• Challenges of integrating Ukrainians into European communities.

On the Ukrainian side, both online and offline formats showcased existing support programs for displaced persons in Ukraine, the role of government and international organizations in protecting Ukrainian refugees’ rights, and economic opportunities for returnees. Additionally, participants explored the potential of Ukrainian and international NGOs in facilitating the reintegration of displaced Ukrainians upon their return.