Refugees often leave their country with the bare minimum. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than 7 million people have fled the country, including 600 000 to neighbouring Moldova.

In March 2022, the EIB made a record donation of €2.5 million via the Institute to seven NGOs to help people affected by the war in Ukraine. As part of this donation, Caritas Luxembourg provided accommodation, food, and medical and psychological support to 2 000 women, children and elderly or disabled people fleeing the war to Chisinau, Moldova’s capital.

The project set an example for welcoming and supporting refugees in Moldova, both for its fast reaction and for the quality of the services provided.

The centre, established at Casa Providentei in Chisinau, opened with a starting capacity of 65 beds on 27 February 2022. Soon this increased to 125 beds for extremely vulnerable individuals.

Caritas went beyond providing medical and psychological support by also offering Romanian and English language classes to help refugees to integrate.

The project evolved over time as refugees either decided to stay in Moldova, to move to other European countries or to return to Ukraine. It was completed by March 2023.

The Institute regularly provides grants for disaster relief.

Picture: Caritas Foundation Luxembourg