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More than two years since the onset of the war in Ukraine, Romania remains a key host country for refugees, with 177,632 Ukrainians and third-country nationals registered under temporary protection as of 31 December 2024. This status grants access to essential services including healthcare, education, and the labour market, helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
The humanitarian response in Romania continues to be a collaborative effort, guided by the Refugee Response Plan (RRP) and coordinated through the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF) and sector working groups. On 16 January, the United Nations and partners officially launched the new Regional Refugee Response Plans for 2025–2026 during an event in Kyiv, cohosted with the Government of Ukraine. This year, the regional appeal amounts to USD 1.2 billion, aimed at supporting 2.1 million people affected by the crisis—including thousands in Romania. The launch featured a compelling video message from MALVA, a refugee-led organization and new RRP partner, highlighting the powerful role of community leadership in the response. In Romania, the RRP for 2025–2026 seeks USD 155 million to fund the work of 42 appealing partners, including UN agencies, national and international NGOs, and refugee-led organizations. These partners are actively engaged in delivering vital assistance and promoting long-term inclusion across the country.
Preparedness also remains a critical pillar of the response. From 22–24 January, Romanian and Moldovan authorities, along with UN partners, participated in the Palanca–Huși Green Corridor Tabletop Exercise in Chișinău. The exercise tested emergency response mechanisms and cross-border coordination, with a field visit to the Palanca border crossing and bus station offering valuable insights into real-time procedures and inter-agency collaboration. Finally, coordination structures at the national level have continued to evolve to strengthen partnerships and streamline efforts. As of January, the Basic Needs and Cash Technical Working Groups merged, enhancing operational synergy. The National Authority for the Protection of Child Rights and Adoption (ANPDCA) joined UNHCR and UNICEF as co-chair of the Child Protection Sub-Working Group, while the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES) became co-chair of the GBV Sub-Working Group, alongside NGO Anais and UNHCR. These changes mark an important step toward localized coordination and deeper institutional engagement in the refugee response.