The students recounted their trauma with the Russian aggression and the immense suffering it caused. In some highly emotional testimonies of the dangerous journeys they had to endure whilst fleeing Ukraine, they all expressed heart-felt appreciation for the EU help. They spoke with admiration and gratitude of the warm and humane welcome in Romania and all stated a wish to return to Europe and continue with their studies.

European solidarity came out strongly, with touching accounts of Ukrainians sharing their last food and Romanians bringing transport, refreshments and blankets at the border.

“We felt loved and cared for – what the EU did for us is what our parents would have done. Once we reached Romania, we felt a huge relief coming back to peace and safety”, they said.

The students were sad with having to leave Ukraine, which had become their “second home” where they felt happy and welcome before the Russian invasion. They were worried about the teachers and friends they left behind and asked what the EU was doing to stop the war and help Ukraine, inquiring about the Ukrainian euro-integration perspectives.

In response, the EU Ambassador thanked the students for this open and sincere exchange and pointed to the massive EU support for Ukraine: “In the midst of a senseless aggression, solidarity and friendship bring us hope.”