Alianța Strategie pentru România (ASR) announces the development of a support network for Romanians living abroad. The initiative will begin in the Netherlands and aims to bring together volunteers, specialists and employers who can provide information and guidance to members of the Romanian community.

For many Romanians who have left the country, adapting to life abroad comes with difficulties that are not always easy to overcome: not knowing the language, administrative problems, misunderstandings regarding employment contracts, access to medical services, children's education, or the lack of a trusted person they can turn to for advice.

Starting from these realities, Alianța Strategie pentru România proposes the creation of the project “Support Point for Romanians in the Netherlands – ASR Diaspora initiative”, which is intended to become the model for a network gradually expanded to other countries with significant Romanian communities.

The message under which the initiative will be promoted is:

“Close to Romanians. Wherever they may be.”

This is accompanied by the commitment:

“We listen. We verify. We guide.”

A point of guidance, not a parallel institution

The project does not aim to replace embassies, consulates, local authorities or services provided by authorised professionals. Its role will be to listen to the problems faced by Romanians, verify the available information and guide them towards the appropriate institution, organisation or specialist.

Among the areas in which the network could facilitate access to information are:

  • employees' rights and verification of employment situations;
  • guidance towards the relevant local institutions;
  • administrative and social issues;
  • access to education and children's integration;
  • support for people in vulnerable situations;
  • identification of reputable employers;
  • promotion of Romanian initiatives and businesses;
  • strengthening links between Romanian communities.

Cases requiring legal, medical or psychological assistance will be referred to authorised professionals. The initiative will not promise guaranteed solutions and will not request money simply for listening to or providing guidance to people seeking help.

Dumitru Bârsan: “The diaspora needs representation, but also practical support”

Dumitru Bârsan, president of Alianța Strategie pentru România and a Romanian entrepreneur who has lived in the Netherlands for more than 15 years, believes that the relationship with the diaspora must be built through presence and concrete results.

“Romanians abroad should not be approached only during election campaigns. They need to know that there is someone who listens to them, verifies their situation and guides them responsibly. We want to build a serious network based on solidarity, competence and trust,” says the ASR president.

The initiative aims to bring in people who understand the reality of local communities: civically engaged Romanians, entrepreneurs, lawyers, accountants, translators, integration specialists, healthcare professionals, psychologists and representatives of Romanian organisations.

Employers who comply with the law and wish to offer genuine opportunities to Romanians in the diaspora are also invited to participate. The network could therefore help bring candidates and reputable companies closer together, without operating as a recruitment agency and without guaranteeing jobs.

From the Netherlands to the entire diaspora

The first stage will focus on forming a local team in the Netherlands and identifying the main problems faced by Romanians. Subsequently, the project could be developed in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom and other countries with large Romanian communities.

Each local point is expected to operate according to common principles: respect for confidentiality, verification of information, transparency, neutrality in handling cases and cooperation with the relevant institutions.

Project representatives state that assistance will not be conditional on political affiliation, party membership or electoral support for ASR. The initiative's credibility will, however, depend on how these principles are applied in practice and on the specialists brought into the network.

Call to the community

ASR invites Romanians who understand the problems faced by the diaspora and who can contribute through their experience, time or professional expertise to take part in building this network.

If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, specialist or employer, send a private message to the ASR team.

Through this initiative, Alianța Strategie pentru România is seeking to transform its relationship with the diaspora from an electoral issue into a permanent mechanism for listening, guidance and community cooperation.

Close to Romanians. Wherever they may be.

We listen. We verify. We guide.

Image: official emblem of Alianța Strategie pentru România (ASR), published by the party. This is not a photograph of a physical Support Point and does not depict an office in the Netherlands; the initiative has been announced and is in development.

Source: Alianța Strategie pentru România (ASR) — information and statements provided regarding the ASR Diaspora project.