Department for Romanians Abroad Launches the “Romania, Closer to You” Campaign to Support Romanian Communities in Ukraine

Department for Romanians Abroad Launches the “Romania, Closer to You” Campaign for Romanians in the Diaspora

The Department for Romanians Abroad (DRP) is launching, on September 22, the “Romania, Closer to You” campaign, a public information initiative designed for Romanians living outside the country’s borders. The initiative aims to facilitate access to clear, up-to-date official information and help Romanians abroad more easily identify the public institutions and services they need.

Accessible Official Information for Romanians Abroad

The campaign responds to the need to simplify access for Romanians in the diaspora to information provided by state institutions. Distance from Romanian authorities, as well as differences between the administrative and legal systems of the countries of residence, can make it more difficult to identify the competent institution or the procedures required in a particular situation.

Through the campaign, the DRP aims to centralize and promote official sources of information so that Romanians abroad can more quickly find relevant information concerning the situations they face.

Rights, Obligations and Public Services

One of the main areas addressed by the campaign concerns the legal rights and obligations of Romanian citizens living abroad. The information materials will also indicate the competent institutions that can provide support and additional information.

The campaign will also include information on public services, administrative procedures and the documents required in various situations, with the aim of facilitating remote interaction between Romanian citizens and the authorities in Romania.

Access to Programmes and Funding Opportunities for the Diaspora

An important component of the project focuses on presenting government opportunities and programmes available to Romanians living abroad. These include information on non-reimbursable funding programmes dedicated to the diaspora.

By promoting these resources, the campaign aims to make information about available programmes more accessible and support the identification of relevant opportunities for Romanians abroad.

Preventing Vulnerable Situations

The “Romania, Closer to You” campaign will also address situations in which Romanians in the diaspora may be exposed to risks, including those related to the labour market or legal matters.

The materials prepared as part of the campaign will also have a preventive component, providing information that can help people recognize potential risk situations and identify the institutions or organizations able to provide support.

Guides for Documents and Administrative Procedures

Another objective of the campaign is to provide administrative guides explaining, in an accessible format, the procedures required to obtain certain documents and address various administrative situations.

By simplifying information and directing citizens towards official sources, the DRP aims to reduce the difficulties encountered when Romanian citizens need to interact remotely with Romanian institutions.

Partnership with Romanian Institutions and Organizations

The campaign benefits from the support of several institutions and organizations that contribute information and resources. Institutional partners include the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Education and Research, and Ministry of Health.

The project also involves the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, National Directorate for Cybersecurity, Ministry of Investments and European Projects, National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoption, Save the Children, the Romanian Red Cross, and the Investment and Development Bank S.A.

Information to Be Distributed Through Digital Channels and Romanian Communities

The campaign materials will be published through the official channels of the Department for Romanians Abroad and distributed through Romanian associations operating outside the country’s borders.

To facilitate access to information within diaspora communities, the DRP will cooperate with opinion leaders, community organizations, and mass media outlets. This will enable the guides and informational resources to reach directly those who need support and guidance.

Campaign to Run Until the End of 2026

The “Romania, Closer to You” project will run from September to December 2026, both online, through digital platforms, social media networks and institutional portals, and through the distribution of printed informational materials.

The campaign is aimed at Romanian citizens domiciled or residing abroad and seeks to improve access to accurate information and facilitate access to official services and information.

Information as a Tool for Strengthening the Connection with Romania

According to the DRP, the initiative was developed following an analysis of requests received by the institution, which highlighted the need for more effective information regarding the concrete issues faced by Romanians living abroad.

Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, Director with State Secretary-level responsibilities at the Department for Romanians Abroad, Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, emphasized that the project aims to turn the connection between Romanians in the diaspora and Romanian institutions into practical support by providing simplified and accessible information.

Through this campaign, the DRP aims to facilitate access for Romanians abroad to official information and contribute to strengthening their trust in state institutions.