In a significant move aimed at fostering integration and mutual understanding, the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR), in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania and the National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship (CONAF), has announced the launch of free Romanian language courses tailored specifically for Ukrainian residents in Romania. The initiative, which opens its registration until September 19, 2025, will offer online classes from September 29 to December 3, targeting the growing Ukrainian community that has sought refuge in Romania amid ongoing conflict back home.
The courses are divided into two modules—beginner and intermediate—each spanning 40 hours. Groups will consist of 10 to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention and effective learning. According to ICR, these classes are not just about language acquisition; they are designed to equip Ukrainians with the skills necessary to communicate efficiently and access essential services, such as healthcare and employment opportunities, within their host country.
"Access to the Romanian language is a step of integration and we believe it is not only necessary, but also a signal we want to send with this occasion. This chance for integration also represents a way for us to get to know each other better," stated Liviu Jicman, president of the Romanian Cultural Institute, during a press conference on August 28, 2025, as reported by Agerpres and News.ro. Jicman further emphasized that the ICR’s 2022–2026 strategy underlines the significance of Romanian as a language spoken by more than 30 million people worldwide, ranking as the second or third most spoken language in certain countries.
The program comes at a time when the Ukrainian community in Romania continues to grow, with many having fled the war in their homeland in search of safety. For these individuals, the road to integration is paved with challenges, not least of which is the language barrier. The organizers hope that by removing this obstacle, Ukrainians will find it easier to navigate Romanian society, access vital services, and participate fully in community life.
Cristina Chiriac, president of CONAF, addressed the emotional weight carried by Ukrainian refugees, particularly women and children, who have been forced to leave everything behind. "It is a priority and a necessity that all Ukrainian citizens living in Romania are integrated and know the Romanian language, so they can understand their rights and how they can contribute, leading their lives at a decent level. Surely, we all live with the hope that one day this war will end. I confess that the general murmur I have heard in the corridors from these people was, 'One day I will return home.' It seems that day is getting further and further away. Until that day comes, we all have an immense responsibility—authorities, NGOs, and everyone who understands empathy—to continue the efforts we started three and a half years ago and give a chance to all these children and women," Chiriac said, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian commitment.
The online format of the courses ensures accessibility for Ukrainians regardless of their location within Romania. Details about registration and the program are available on the ICR website and through the Embassy of Ukraine, making it straightforward for interested individuals to join. The curriculum is structured to address both practical and social aspects of integration, from handling a medical appointment to participating in a job interview.
For many Ukrainians, the hope of returning home remains alive, but the reality of prolonged displacement is setting in. Ihor Prokopciuc, Ukraine’s ambassador to Bucharest, underscored the dual purpose of these language courses: "Learning Romanian will help Ukrainian citizens integrate into society and the labor market and provide perspectives for a normal and dignified life in Romania." He went on to express deep appreciation for the empathy and warmth shown by Romanians toward their Ukrainian neighbors, noting, "Ukrainians who arrived here found much empathy and warmth, openness to help in these tragic conditions our people are facing."
Prokopciuc also recalled the recent visit of Romania’s Foreign Minister, Oana Ţoiu, to Ukraine, where the idea of establishing a Romanian Language Day in Ukraine was discussed and received positively in Kyiv. This gesture, he said, reflects the growing cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations, further solidified by joint projects such as these language courses.
The ambassador’s remarks echoed a broader sentiment that supporting Ukrainian integration is not only a matter of immediate necessity but also a testament to shared European values. "Supporting Ukrainians learning Romanian affirms the European values that unite Ukraine and Romania," Prokopciuc told News.ro, expressing gratitude for the fruitful collaboration with ICR and the opportunities it opens for both peoples.
Integration, as the organizers stress, is a two-way street. It is not only about Ukrainians adapting to Romanian society but also about Romanians gaining a deeper appreciation for their new neighbors. Jicman noted, "Learning Romanian is both an opportunity for integration and a way to better understand each other." This sentiment is reflected in the course’s design, which encourages cultural exchange alongside language instruction.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, the prospect of returning home appears increasingly distant for many refugees. Yet, the support offered by Romanian institutions and civil society provides a semblance of stability and hope. The language courses represent a concrete step in helping Ukrainians rebuild their lives, whether temporarily or for the long term, in a new country that has extended a hand of friendship.
Ultimately, these efforts are about more than language—they are about dignity, opportunity, and the affirmation of common humanity. As Prokopciuc poignantly stated, "Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else." Until that peace is achieved, initiatives like these courses will play a vital role in helping refugees find their footing and maintain their sense of identity while forging new connections in their adopted home.
With registration open and classes set to begin soon, the program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, empathy, and the enduring ties between Romania and Ukraine—ties that are being strengthened, one Romanian lesson at a time.