Employment Pathways for Ukrainian Refugees in Romania - Key Findings from the Employment Mapping and Labour Market Analysis Reports

As part of the SMART UA project, two national research reports focusing on employment and labour market integration of Ukrainian refugees in Romania were developed and presented. These reports provide evidence-based insights into existing support mechanisms, institutional capacities, barriers and opportunities related to access to employment.

The Employment Mapping Report focuses on the identification and analysis of social actors involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees’ access to the labour market. The research mapped public institutions, non-governmental organizations, employers and other relevant stakeholders active at local, regional and national level. The findings highlight that while multiple actors are engaged in employment-related support, levels of involvement and operational capacity vary significantly, with many interventions remaining limited in scale.

The mapping analysis identifies key types of support provided, including employment counselling, job matching, legal information, vocational guidance and skills-related assistance. At the same time, the report points to structural barriers, such as language constraints, administrative complexity, limited recognition of qualifications and insufficient coordination between actors.

Complementing the mapping exercise, the Labour Market Analysis Report examines the employment situation of Ukrainian refugees from a broader systemic perspective. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, the analysis explores labour market participation, employment conditions, sectoral distribution and job stability. The findings indicate that, despite relatively high educational levels among many refugees, labour market integration remains uneven, with refugees often accessing jobs below their qualification level or facing unstable employment conditions.

Both reports underline the importance of coordinated, multi-stakeholder approaches to employment support, as well as the need for tailored interventions addressing the specific challenges faced by women, caregivers and other vulnerable groups. The research also highlights the potential of good practices such as individualized counselling, employer engagement and skills assessment tools.

These findings contribute directly to the objectives of SMART UA, supporting evidence-based dialogue, capacity building and the development of more inclusive and sustainable employment pathways for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.