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EU Affairs Committee report finds Ireland can learn from experiences of Moldova and Romania in managing its humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine

11 May 2022, 15:00

The Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has today, Wednesday May 11th, published its report entitled: “Travel Report Moldova and Romania 4th – 8th April 2022”.

The report summarises the engagements undertaken by the delegation on the visit, including visits to border crossings and refugee facilities in Moldova and Romania, as well as high level meetings with officials and representatives of local and national authorities and NGOs with responsibility for managing the response to the invasion.


The report also presents a number of conclusions arising from the lessons learned from the visit which could be applied to Ireland.

Launching the report, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Joe McHugh said: “The Committee has viewed with alarm the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, an event with significant implications for the EU across a wide range of sectors, not least humanitarian issues, EU enlargement, commodity security, and the EU’s place in the world. On foot of this invasion, the Committee has endeavoured to examine the impacts of the war on the EU, and on the EU member states and Eastern Neighbourhood states most affected by the war.”


“The Committee agreed to send a cross-party delegation to Moldova and Romania on a fact-finding mission, two states with significant land borders with Ukraine that have been at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the invasion.”


“The delegation believes that the experience of Moldova and Romania offers lessons to Ireland in its contingency planning for the possibility of future surges in the number of refugees entering the State.”


“Some of the issues to consider include: the distinction between short-term emergency reception and triage, and longer-term protection and inclusion; public health screening for conditions such as Polio and Dysentery; protection of unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable categories of refugees; coordination and governance of services provided by a broad range of authorities, agencies and NGOs; provision of complex care needs; and clear communication to the wider public on the humanitarian efforts.”


“The delegation visited the Moldexpo Refugee Centre in Chisinau, meeting with the UNHCR official Ms. Francesca Bonelli along with staff and volunteers from the Centre. The delegation was briefed on the work that goes on at the centre, including registration for cash-based assistance, provision of accommodation, meals and healthcare services, and the Blue Dot initiative that supports child refugees.”

“Since the visit, Moldova has completed its initial questionnaire as a part of its EU application process. The Ambassador of Moldova informed the Committee that Moldova hopes to be granted candidate status at the June European Council. The Committee was also informed by the Ambassador of Romania that support to Moldova is one of the areas of cooperation to be discussed in upcoming bilateral engagements between Ireland and Romania such as visits to Dublin from Ministers and parliamentary delegations.”


The report also presents a number of conclusions arising from the lessons learned from the visit including the support and solidarity with Moldova and Romania required on the part of the EU and other member states, and the importance of a tangible and realistic path to EU membership for Moldova.


Read the report in full on the Committee's webpage. 

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