Ukrainians Enjoy Warm Welcome in Croatia, but Struggle to Rebuild Lives
Vuk Tesija | Thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war have been warmly received in Croatia by those with still-fresh memories of conflict and flight, but language barriers and red tape mean the task of rebuilding their lives is more difficult. [...] In the major urban centres there are day centres for Ukrainians where they can meet, exchange information, seek legal help and counselling and organise workshops for children. ● Croatia currently provides one-off aid of around 300 euros and pays for accommodation and related costs. However, it cannot offer the same kind of social support provided by the likes of Germany and other more affluent western European states, prompting many Ukrainians to head further west. ● “Employment is the biggest problem, especially since we have a lot of highly educated people – doctors of science, professors, who are now doing whatever they have to,” said Martinjuk.“They also accept the jobs of housekeepers, waiters, they do what they can.” ● Recognition of diplomas and language barriers can slow integration, but this is no obstacle for some. “We had a musician and a conductor who immediately found work in the orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre,” said Martinjuk. ● Ukrainians are offered courses in Croatian, but Olena said there aren’t enough and they are too short.