For Romanians living abroad, access to clear information and guidance can make a significant difference when problems arise in connection with employment, housing, taxes or interactions with public institutions. “Aproape de Români” (“Close to Romanians”) has emerged from this need. The project was initiated by Dumitru Bârsan and the political party Alianța Strategie pentru România — ASR.

Dumitru Bârsan has lived in the Netherlands for more than 15 years, where he has built a family and a business. He is proposing the development of a support network based on the involvement of people from within the community. The stated objective is to create a framework in which Romanians can report difficulties, receive guidance and contribute ideas for joint projects.

An Appeal to Group Moderators, Specialists and Volunteers

At this stage, the initiators are addressing, first and foremost, the administrators and moderators of Romanian community groups in the Netherlands, who play an important role in circulating information and connecting community members.

The appeal is also directed towards legal advisers, lawyers, specialists in Dutch legislation and employment rights, accountants and tax consultants. Professionals working in social services, housing and education are also invited to become involved, together with volunteers who can contribute to organisation, communication, translation and guidance.

Monthly Meetings, Depending on Community Interest

The project provides for one meeting per month if there is sufficient interest and involvement. The meetings are intended to offer an open space where participants can present problems, propose ideas and discuss possible solutions alongside specialists.

The initiators also intend to build dialogue and cooperation with the relevant Dutch authorities and institutions. This cooperation is an objective of the project and will be developed according to the problems identified and the availability of the institutions.

The announced approach places emphasis on listening, verifying information and providing responsible guidance, without promising that every individual situation can be resolved.

Participation Does Not Require Joining ASR

Although the project is an initiative of Dumitru Bârsan and the ASR party, the organisers state that participation is open to everyone, regardless of political preference.

No person is required to become a member of the party or support it politically in order to attend meetings, receive guidance or contribute as a volunteer.

The Website Is Available, with the Official Launch to Follow

The project's platform, https://aproapederomani.ro/, is already operational. The official launch is yet to be organised, alongside efforts to attract volunteers and specialists interested in contributing.

People who wish to participate or assist with organisation are invited to send Dumitru Bârsan a private message, specifying the locality in which they live and the field in which they can become involved. The date and location of the first meeting will be announced later, depending on the level of interest expressed and the geographical distribution of participants.

Administrators and moderators of Romanian community groups are invited to share the appeal and help connect interested people.

The initiative operates under the message “Aproape de Români. Oriunde s-ar afla.” (“Close to Romanians. Wherever They May Be.”), with the working principle: “We listen. We verify. We guide.”

Photo: aproapederomani.ro

Source consulted: Aproape de Români