Social Cohesion Survey in the Context of the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis – round 1
Goal
The research analyzes Romanians' perceptions of Ukrainian refugees one year after the outbreak of the war and how they are integrating into Romanian society. The study also explores factors that can strengthen or weaken cohesion between the two communities. The results are intended to provide actors involved in managing the humanitarian crisis with relevant information to adapt their interventions and long-term programs.
Key figures
Participants
932 participating respondents (405 Romanians, 527 Ukrainian refugees)
Focus Groups
1 focus group with 12 Romanians and
1 focus group with 10 Ukrainian refugees
Methodology
qualitative and quantitative research (questionnaires and focus groups)
Resources
Human
resources
ARPS research team, focus group moderators, translators, data analysis specialists.
Information resources
ARPS own databases, social networks, communication channels between refugees (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
Research
Tools
Validated questionnaires, focus group guides, digital data collection platforms.
Logistical
support
Partnerships with NGOs, online distribution, media channels used to promote the surveys.
Objectives
Assessment of Romanians' public perceptions and interest in Ukrainian refugees one year after the beginning of the crisis
Identifying the real integration needs of Ukrainian refugees and how they relate to the host society
Providing informed recommendations for the development of community cohesion policies and programs<
Identifying potential sources of tension and solutions through communication and access to services
Main activities
Desk research on online discussions related to the refugee situation (especially Facebook and Telegram)
Two focus groups: one with Romanian citizens and one with Ukrainian refugees - to validate the questionnaire
Data collection through online questionnaires addressed to both Romanian and Ukrainian respondents
Data analysis and synthesis of findings to support future program planning
Results
Overall results
62% of Romanians have a good or very good opinion of Ukrainian refugees; 14% are undecided.
93% of Ukrainian respondents say they feel safe in Romania.
Only 1 in 2 Romanians is still interested in the refugee situation compared to last year.
8 out of 10 Romanians believe that refugees can integrate; 5 out of 10 Ukrainians think integration is easy.
Perceived tensions
Romanians see financial support for refugees as creating competition and perceive Ukrainians as being favored
Ukrainians feel that Romanians are becoming increasingly reluctant and that financial support (e.g. 50/20 program) creates discontent
Both groups agree that better communication and structured support for integration is needed
Ukrainian sources of information of refugees: informal channels (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) and Romanian information sources: media and online platforms
High mutual openness
Romanians would accept a Ukrainian as a neighbor (82%), co-worker (80%) or close friend (73%)
Ukrainians would accept a Romanian as a work colleague (97%), neighbor (96%) or close friend (92%)
Key factors for integration
Romanians: learning Romanian (77%), getting a job (59%), getting involved in the community (49%)
Ukrainians: learning Romanian (90%), getting to know Romanian culture (87%), finding a job, developing local friendships
Related content
Content related to this project like: Publications, News, Public Procurements