This article contains graphic descriptions of child abuse, gender-based violence, and cruelty to animals. A list of organizations supporting women’s rights and protection from violence in both countries is provided at the end.

By Alexandra Bora and Elina Genova

Adelina, a 17-year-old Bulgarian girl, carries a harrowing story of lifelong violence. “Kicking, throwing, slapping, punching, hair-pulling, bruises, belt strikes, being kicked out of the house” — these are the stark words she uses to describe her childhood. Her father’s aggression was relentless, targeting not just her but her sister and mother, from whom he is now divorced.

Despite the divorce, he remains obsessed with his ex-wife, continuing a cycle of psychological and physical abuse. During Adelina’s early years, her father’s cruelty knew no bounds — killing her hamster, throwing her sister onto a parked car, threatening to break her dog’s neck. “That really affected me mentally,” she says, revealing years of nightmares and sleep problems that drove her to use sedatives.

Though the immediate situation has improved, her father continues to stalk the family, making constant threatening calls. In one particularly terrifying incident, he called her sister claiming he had killed Adelina and their mother after his ex-wife didn’t answer her phone. “I’m already scared,” Adelina says. “This is like a horror movie. It’s getting out of control. I don’t know if something fatal might happen one night.”

In neighboring Romania, Maria’s childhood was marked by her mother’s increasingly destructive behavior, a pattern she initially struggled to recognize. “Things got worse around the age of 12 when my parents separated. That was the worst period, though the abuse had been happening even before that,” she says. What began as emotional abuse gradually escalated to physical violence. There were nights she would be kicked out of the house, only to be reluctantly let back in hours later. Minor inconveniences would trigger slapping or beating. While these physical incidents were sporadic, the emotional abuse — constant insults and verbal attacks — remained a consistent, suffocating presence in her life.

Adelina and Maria’s stories mirror the painful experiences of many girls who have suffered domestic or any other kind of abuse. In Bulgaria and Romania, teenage girls face widespread violence, yet systemic failures often leave them without protection or justice. Legal shortcomings, underfunded support services, and lingering stigma make it difficult for survivors to seek help. Despite growing activism, real change remains slow, as too many girls still suffer in silence.

Widespread Violence

In Romania, 42% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, while the percentage in Bulgaria is 28, according to 2024 statistics provided by the European Institute for Gender Equaility. 48% of Bulgarian women who have experienced physical or sexual violence by any perpetrator in the past 12 months have not told anyone, while the figure in Romania is 34%.

In a recent report, UNICEF states that “violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights across the world.”

For the purpose of this article, the authors developed a survey in August of last year. Filled out by 64 respondents in Bulgaria and 60 in Romania, it paints a similar picture. 

The survey shows that violence is often perpetrated by men or boys. In 69.2% of cases, the aggressor was male — most often someone the victim knew. In Romania, 40% of those who experienced violence reported that the perpetrator was a classmate, a close acquaintance, or a friend. In Bulgaria, an even higher percentage, 51.7%, reported experiencing violence at the hands of a friend. 69.2% of surveyed girls in Bulgaria and 58.5% in Romania reported witnessing violence against another girl.

The figures speak for themselves, but they beg the question: where does this violence come from? Romanian psychologist Andreea Ștefiuc explains that men historically relied on brute force for survival, which led to the normalization of using violence to exert control, including over women. Despite societal progress, this behavior has been passed down through generations. Only recently have women in the Western world begun challenging this norm, but the process of healing these deep-rooted patterns is still ongoing. She emphasizes that society is still learning how men can embrace strength without resorting to violence or suppression.

Experts argue that the patriarchal system not only fuels violence against women and girls but also fosters societal tolerance for it. Kalina Drenska, founder of the Bulgarian feminist NGO LevFem, explains that such violence is not just the result of harmful stereotypes or isolated cases of aggression but is actually more deeply rooted. “It stems from the patriarchal system itself because it positions women as subordinate to men,” she says. 

Cultural stigma discourages victims from speaking out, fearing judgment or retaliation. Many bystanders hesitate to intervene, reinforcing a culture of silence. This mindset is further reflected in widespread victim-blaming in Bulgaria — according to a UNICEF and Coram study, 51.6% of respondents believe that a girl bears some responsibility for being raped if she drinks alcohol, takes drugs, behaves provocatively, has multiple sexual partners, or stays out late at night.

Experts, psychologists, and social workers interviewed for this story suggest that the lack of understanding about what constitutes aggression and violence is a key factor. 

“Many of the girls who come to me and have experienced some form of violence do not always recognize it as such. They often perceive it as a normal part of the relationship, rather than as violence inflicted upon them,” says Valeria Simeonova, a Bulgarian psychologist who works with teachers and children between the ages of 7 and 18, especially those with anxiety disorders. She also says that almost everyone she treats in therapy has experienced some form of violence. 

“The initial reason why the girls come to therapy is not the abuse, but oftentimes through our work in therapy it comes to the surface one way or another,” says Andreea Ștefiuc. 

Maria Boeva, who has been working at a Bulgarian national hotline for abuse survivors for more than 6 years now, also agrees that violence against girls is a taboo issue and something that “we should talk about”.

Survivors Face Systemic Barriers

Victims of domestic and gender-based violence in Bulgaria and Romania face significant obstacles when seeking help. Legal shortcomings mean laws are poorly enforced, judicial processes are slow, and courts often fail to clearly classify cases of assault as rape.

A judicial inspection report published in July 2021 highlights serious issues in how Romanian prosecutors and judges handle cases involving survivors of sexual violence from 10 to 14 years of age. The report reveals deep-seated prejudices and a lack of proper resolution in light of such offenses.

A 2019 study further exposes this systemic failure in Romania: statistically, there is only a 1 in 4 chance that a national court will classify the crime of rape as such. These findings make it clear that neither girls nor women are adequately protected in our society.

Violence can have lasting traumatic effects, often carrying severe consequences into adulthood. For example, Adelina experiences nightmares, and the situation at home affects her school life. For some, the impact is even deeper — Maria still struggles with the emotional scars left by her mother’s abuse. “I haven’t fully moved on — the consequences are still visible, and it has left a deep mark on me. But now, I hope that with time, it will all fade away,” she says.

Institutional and psychological assistance for girls who go through violence is crucial, and so is trying to limit this violence in the first place. 

In Bulgaria and Romania, there are a few state-run centers that help women who have experienced domestic violence where they can also bring their children. Limited support services, which may include shelters and counseling, leave victims with few options, however. Law enforcement failures also persist, with police often dismissing complaints or urging reconciliation with abusers.

When Adelina and her mother called the police after her father attempted to break-in, no help came due to a lack of official documentation of abuse. “That crushes you even more,” Adelina explains. “It means the police won’t help you, the court won’t help you, no one will help you.”

In the absence of state policies, a handful of nonprofits have stepped up to fill the gap, offering a range of services from counseling and mental health support to shelter and legal aid. 

At some point, the situation in Maria’s home with her mother became unbearable. She made the courageous decision to seek refuge with her father. “I ran to my dad’s place because I saw things were getting worse and worse,” she says. “I simply didn’t know what to do anymore. If I stayed with her, nothing would change.”

Now living with her father, Maria is actively working on healing. “I’m trying to work on myself,” she says, “to understand that those words are just words, and they are said with the intention of bringing me down.”

Despite the alarming rates of violence against teenage girls and women, there are glimpses of hope.

In 2023, an 18-year-old Bulgarian girl named Debora was brutally assaulted by an alleged former boyfriend. The cruelty of the attack — the girl was stabbed multiple times with a snap-off knife — and the authorities’ inaction sparked a wave of rallies in dozens of towns across the country. Indeed, the scale of the protests was almost unprecedented. Thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets to express their support for the victim but also to demand that abusers be held accountable. The incident has forced Bulgaria to make swift legal changes. 

In Romania, NGOs lead awareness campaigns emphasizing community responsibility in combating domestic violence. Messages highlight that it’s not just a private matter and urge bystanders to take action. Centrul Filia organizes workshops and protests, including the popular “Together for Women’s Safety” march. Additionally, in 2022, Romania launched a pilot project using electronic bracelets to monitor offenders and enforce protection orders.

Help from friends and family is crucial during hard periods, and showing care and interest might change everything. “I believe that the most important thing is a simple question: ‘Are you okay?’ I believe that the most important thing is to be emotionally present for someone going through something like that,” says Maria from Romania.

The street is empty as I walk home from school. It’s getting dark, clouds hang low, and the wind whips my hair across my face. The usually busy sidewalks are deserted, making the kilometer stretch to my house feel endless.

 

Footsteps echo behind me. A man. Getting closer. I can feel his eyes on me as I clutch my keys between my fingers — a makeshift weapon. He’s right behind me now, his breath practically on my neck. Will I even make it home tonight?

 

Then, he passes by. Relief floods through me, but the fear lingers. This route, this feeling — it’s all too familiar. I have no alternative path home. Tomorrow, I’ll walk this same street after school, wondering again if I’ll make it back safely.

 

Some might call this scene dramatic, but for many girls between 13 and 18, this is daily life: navigating through fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. A simple walk becomes a game of Russian roulette. Most times nothing happens, but the possibility of being catcalled, harassed, or worse always looms.

 

In Bulgaria, 40% of women report they do not feel safe walking outside alone at night. In Romania, the number is even higher — 8 out of 10 women.

 

All of this stems from real dangers, as news about cases of rape, harassment, or even murder circulates daily. Most of the time, justice is not achieved for minors (mostly girls) who are victims of sexual violence. According to a report released by Centrul Filia, 60% of sex crimes in 2020 were perpetrated against minors.

Note: Maria and Adelina’s names have been changed to protect their identity.

Organizations Supporting Women’s Rights and Protection from Violence in Romania:

 

Association for Liberty and Equality of Gender (A.L.E.G.) – A.L.E.G. works to prevent and address violence against women by providing support services, legal counseling, and awareness programs on gender equality and women’s rights.

 

FILIA Center – A feminist NGO advocating for women’s rights, FILIA addresses issues such as domestic violence and sexual harassment. They provide support and advocacy for women affected by violence.

 

Necuvinte Association – Focused on combating domestic violence, Necuvinte offers legal, psychological, and social support to abuse survivors. They also engage in policy advocacy and awareness campaigns.

 

CASA Ioana – The organization provides shelter and support services for women and children escaping domestic violence and homelessness, helping them rebuild their lives.

Organizations Supporting Women’s Rights and Protection from Violence in Bulgaria:

 

Animus Foundation – Animus offers psychological and social support to women and children who are victims of violence. They operate a crisis center and a hotline for victims of domestic violence and trafficking.

 

Turnovgrad Crisis Centre – This institution provides emergency support and shelter for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.

 

P.U.L.S. Foundation – Supporting children, young people, and adults affected by violence, P.U.L.S. offers assistance through a center for social rehabilitation and integration.

 

Samaryani Association – The organization supports individuals who have experienced violence. They operate a Consultative and Informational Center and a hotline.

 

Emprove Association – Focused on empowering women, particularly survivors of domestic violence, Emprove provides resources and support for rebuilding their lives.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Diana Haiduc and Polin Savova 

Tobacco remains a significant public health issue, with devastating effects evident cross-generationally in Bulgaria and Romania. The Tobacco Atlas reports a grim reality: 8.4% of all deaths in Bulgaria result from tobacco use, reflecting the severity of the issue within the nation.

The Tobacco Landscape in Bulgaria and Romania

According to the same source, Romania’s adult smoking prevalence stands at 27%, with 8.3% of adolescents aged 15–19 smoking cigarettes in 2020. While these numbers indicate a slight decline in cigarette consumption, Romanian respiratory specialist Zsuzsanna Stupeczky warns that this trend is offset by a rising preference for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. In recent years, the percentage of adolescents using such products has significantly increased across various countries (World Health Organization).

“I started smoking at around 14 when I was very stressed because of exams and problems at home. I felt the need for something to calm me down,” says Dragoș (name changed for privacy), a 15-year-old student from Romania. He has already noticed that nicotine is addictive and that his immune system has weakened, making him more susceptible to colds.

17-year-old Maria (name also changed) from Cluj-Napoca has been smoking for two years and has noticed herself becoming more irritable. She admits that smoking is affecting her mental health and fears she may develop serious health problems if she doesn’t quit.

A study by the Romanian Public Health Institute conducted from October to December 2022 revealed that 50% of high school students had smoked e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products—an alarming indicator of the growing popularity of these alternatives.

Similarly, Bulgaria has witnessed an increase in alternative tobacco consumption. A 2024 survey conducted by the Medical University of Plovdiv found that 3% of children aged 6 to 9 vape, while 2% consume traditional cigarettes. This disturbing trend suggests that even the youngest members of society are being drawn into tobacco use.

The Role of the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry has evolved strategically, leveraging modern technologies and digital platforms to appeal to a new generation. Colorful packaging, enticing flavors, and aggressive social media marketing contribute to the growing appeal of these products among young consumers. Bulgarian activist Pavel Antonov describes this trend:

“Many young people are drawn to the fragrances, the flavors, and the perceived prestige of using these new products. The scariest part is that the industry understands this psychology all too well.”

For minors, the packaging and promotional strategies are particularly enticing. Furthermore, the lack of adequate public awareness about the long-term health consequences compounds the issue. In Bulgaria, efforts by the World Health Organization and the government to implement international tobacco control conventions have not gained significant traction. Meanwhile, paid influencers on social media portray vaping as a trendy and stylish lifestyle choice, further exacerbating the problem.

“Both traditional smoking and vaping have negative effects on health. Vaping is often considered to be safer than smoking, but it also causes health problems. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the body. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown,” warns Zsuzsanna Stupeczky, adding that alongside the emergence of vaping, diseases such as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury) have also appeared.

When asked why they started smoking or vaping, many adolescents express a lack of concern about the future consequences. Common responses include:

• “I haven’t tried to quit smoking because I don’t think I need to. I feel good when I smoke and don’t see why I should quit.”
• “I don’t think smoking affects me now or [will] in the future. I feel good now and don’t think about long-term consequences.”

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

In response to this growing crisis, Romania introduced law changes last spring aimed at regulating the sale and packaging of all tobacco products. Bulgaria has also implemented similar restrictions. However, according to a Euronews survey, Bulgaria had the highest rate of smokers over the age of 15 in all of Europe in 2020.

To combat tobacco use, the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Life was formed. In 2009, Bulgarian lawmakers passed a law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces. However, even before it could take full effect, tobacco industry lobbyists pushed for its repeal, highlighting the significant influence of the industry on policymaking.

A Call for Unified Action

“People’s personal choice is important; everyone can do what they want. These may sound appealing, but we’re talking about addiction here,” says Pavel Antonov. He believes that the government must be extremely strong and prepared to face significant lobbying pressure in order to implement policies that serve the interests of young people and the general population.

Addressing tobacco addiction effectively demands comprehensive and coordinated action. While legislative measures represent crucial steps forward, broader strategies—including widespread public education campaigns, stringent advertising controls, and rigorous policy enforcement—are necessary.

The battle against tobacco and its alternative forms requires collective involvement from governments, communities, families, and individuals. Only through a unified, persistent approach can society safeguard younger generations from the harmful consequences of tobacco and vaping.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Elena Dimitrova and Florina Cicșa

In March 2023, a remarkable cross-border rescue operation highlighted the evolving state of air medical services in Eastern Europe. A 7-year-old Romanian girl, severely injured while skiing in the Bulgarian resort town of Bansko, required urgent medical attention. Initially treated at a hospital in Sofia, her condition remained critical. Faced with limited options, Romania’s SMURD (“Mobile Emergency Service for Reanimation and Extrication”) decided to intervene. A SMURD helicopter was dispatched to Bulgaria and successfully airlifted the child from Sofia to the Children’s Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, where she could receive specialized care.

This operation highlighted the stark differences in air ambulance capabilities between Romania and Bulgaria. While Romania boasts a highly developed air ambulance system, Bulgaria has struggled with providing reliable air medical services. The absence of medical helicopters in Bulgaria until recently stems from the sale of the country’s only air ambulances in 2019 after Heli Air, a private company, failed to receive governmental support. As a result, Bulgaria was the only country in the European Union without medical helicopters for four years, highlighting a critical gap in emergency medical services.

How Romania Built a Successful Air Ambulance Service

Originally established in 2003 and later updated and modernized, Romania’s air ambulance system has become a vital part of its emergency medical infrastructure. The system’s success is largely attributed to strategic investments, interagency coordination between health and interior ministries, and EU funding. The system operates under the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), which governs SMURD. Since its establishment, SMURD has managed to establish a fleet of nine helicopters and two airplanes, including advanced EC-135 helicopters and Black Hawks. These are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, enabling them to provide life-saving interventions, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where ground ambulances might struggle. The Black Hawk helicopters, with their double transport capacity, can carry two critically ill patients at once and are also capable of multi-role operations, including firefighting and maritime rescues.

Romania’s air ambulance service covers both urban and rural areas, with 10 aeromedical bases ensuring nationwide reach. The system’s flexibility allows for the redeployment of resources, ensuring rapid responses in remote locations. Specialized pilots and medical teams are well-trained to handle various medical emergencies, including neonatal transport with specialized incubators. EU funding has played a crucial role in maintaining the system’s low operational costs, which are far lower than private air ambulance services.

This system has helped save a lot of lives. For example, in 2013, there were a total of 1,851 primary and secondary missions, while the number doubled in 2016, resulting in 3,660 missions across the country.  

Despite its advancements, Romania’s air ambulance system faces challenges due to weather conditions, particularly in mountainous regions. However, the DSU continues to improve its fleet and services with further investments and plans to expand the capacity of the service. “All these institutions work under the umbrella of the Department for Emergency Situations… to intervene as quickly as possible and to save as many lives as possible,” says Bogdan Toma, a DSU spokesperson. The goal is to continually increase intervention capacity and renew equipment where necessary. This ensures that Romania can provide fast and efficient medical care in emergencies, not only saving lives but also reducing the financial burden of privatized services.

Across the Danube: It’s Not Just about Helicopters

Bulgaria, on the other hand, has faced significant delays in establishing a fully functional air ambulance system. The lack of medical helicopters has been a serious issue, especially in remote areas where ground transport is difficult. 

Journalist Olya Stoyanova, who has followed the issue for five years, highlights the bureaucratic deadlock in establishing an Air Medical Emergency Center:

“There was a big debate over whether it should be an independent structure, fall under a ministry, or be part of emergency teams. But with constant government changes, no one was willing to take responsibility. Councils were formed, but if everything stays at a bureaucratic level, nothing will ever happen.”

Bulgaria’s challenges go beyond resources — the real issue is the lack of a coherent strategy. “It’s not just about transport or centers; it’s about leadership. A functional system isn’t built on helicopters or airplanes alone — it requires a well-structured plan. Without that, all we have are vehicles, not a solution,” says Stoyanova.

After years of setbacks, Bulgaria took a significant step forward in 2023 by reaching an agreement to purchase air ambulances from the Italian company Leonardo. The first out of eight helicopters arrived in Bulgaria in February 2024, and while two more were expected by the end of the year, delays in the global supply chain have pushed back the arrival of the remaining helicopters. The second helicopter for providing emergency medical assistance by air landed in Bulgaria only in February this year. It is already positioned at an air base in Sliven, a town in southeast Bulgaria. The base meets all regulatory requirements and even has sufficient space to accommodate two helicopters, ensuring the necessary conditions for their safe operation and maintenance.

However, it is still unclear when Bulgaria will receive its remaining helicopters. The purchase order for the helicopters provides a permissible delay period of 60 days. After that, sanctions are imposed for each subsequent day’s deviation from the deadline and the Italian company might face a sanction of a total of 500,000 BGN (250,000 euros). Once fully operational, these helicopters will cover Bulgaria’s entire territory, including areas that were previously difficult to reach by air. 

Dr. Vera Ivanova, who participated in Bulgaria’s first air ambulance mission in June 2024, stresses the need for more helicopters, especially for nighttime coverage.

“With only one helicopter [last summer], covering the entire country is challenging. Everyone wants this to happen quickly, but there’s an inevitable waiting period. Once the remaining helicopters arrive — bringing the total to eight — full national coverage will be possible. After technical inspections, each helicopter will be ready to respond rapidly within its designated area.”

The new helicopters feature advanced navigation systems and state-of-the-art medical equipment, specially adapted for air rescue. “The equipment is top-tier. We had to add some consumables and stock the medical backpacks, but overall, everything is tailored for air transport.” These additions are expected to dramatically improve response times, particularly for people involved in accidents and critically ill patients.

“Once the full fleet is operational, emergency response will be far more efficient,” Dr. Ivanova concludes. She says that helicopter space is limited, and the high altitude has negative effects on patients’ bodies. The priority is to stabilize patients on the ground to minimize interventions during flight.

Currently, Bulgaria has six air ambulance bases in Sofia, Plovdiv, Sliven, Targovishte, Montana, and Dolna Mitropolia. The government has approved helipad construction in 20 hospitals, with three licensed facilities and three more in progress. Additionally, pilots are highly trained and can land anywhere with a 30-meter, obstacle-free radius.

Currently, Bulgaria’s air ambulance service is technically equipped for night operations, but Bulgaria Heli Med Service has yet to begin nighttime missions. Preparations are underway, including securing special night vision goggles from the Italian company Leonardo, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Stoyanova acknowledges the establishment of an Air Medical Emergency Center (AMEC) as a positive step but stresses the need for better coordination:

“Different units, like the Mountain Rescue Service, should be integrated into the system.”

In the meantime, political leaders have called for stronger coordination between the Ministry of Healthcare and other institutions.

The 2023 cross-border rescue operation in which a Romanian SMURD helicopter took part underlined how crucial a well-functioning air ambulance system is in saving lives, especially during crossborder emergencies. 

Bulgaria’s air ambulance system is still in its early stages, but collaboration among emergency teams, doctors, and hospitals shows promise. Dr. Vera Ivanova remains optimistic, emphasizing that while challenges persist, enthusiasm and cooperation are driving progress.

“This is entirely new for the country, and we expected far more coordination issues. While some details still need refining, the Emergency Service centers, doctors, and hospitals are working with incredible dedication. Everyone is fully engaged and eager to help, which gives me great hope for the future,” she shares.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Iulia Dobrea and Kalina Gyulsever

In the heart of Eastern Europe, where tradition often demands silence, Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania are finding their voices and rewriting their futures. 

“We have a saying, ‘A woman’s hair is long, but her mind is short’,” says Reneta Krivonozova, a young Roma woman from Bulgaria. “This implies that a woman doesn’t need education or personal development. Her sole responsibility is to carry and take care of a child.” 

Reneta recounts how her mother had to fight for her and her sister’s right to attend kindergarten, battling prejudice from educators who believed Roma children lacked ambition. “Our development is hindered from a very young age,” she explains. “If we can’t access quality education, there’s no chance for good employment opportunities, either.”

While these deeply entrenched beliefs often hold women back from realizing their potential, Krivonozova created her own path, defying the stereotypes and limitations both within and towards her community. 

With a master’s degree in political science from the Université libre de Bruxelles and a background in applied linguistics, she now works as an assistant at the European Parliament. Her career journey so far includes experience in a number of organisations both in her home country and across Europe, including advocacy on children’s rights and Roma inclusion.

Krivonozova is not alone. Despite facing challenges, Roma women are beginning to rewrite their stories. Efforts to empower them encompass legal reforms, grassroots initiatives, and sharing personal stories of resilience like hers. 

The plight of Roma women in Bulgaria and Romania is grim. They face a myriad of challenges stemming from deeply ingrained societal biases. Socio-economic hardships remain a significant obstacle: in Bulgaria, for instance, 25% of Roma women have no formal education, while in Romania, the lack of access to childcare and employment opportunities further exacerbates their vulnerability. Coupled with cultural expectations that normalize domestic roles for women, many remain economically dependent, hindering their autonomy.

Gender-based violence is alarmingly prevalent in these communities, with 87.5% of Roma women reporting physical aggression as the most common form of abuse. However, systemic barriers, such as mistrust in public institutions and inadequate legal protections, leave many victims without recourse. In Bulgaria, only 37% of Roma individuals are aware of equality bodies, and a mere 14% have reported instances of discrimination. Similarly, in Romania, despite broader awareness of anti-discrimination laws, women hesitate to engage with judicial systems due to past negative experiences.

Connecting personal experiences like Reneta’s to broader organizational efforts, numerous NGOs in Bulgaria and Romania have stepped up to empower Roma women. These organizations work tirelessly to combat entrenched inequalities, providing critical support systems, advocacy platforms, and educational programs designed to create lasting change. By bridging grassroots movements with institutional advocacy, these NGOs aim to dismantle barriers and unlock opportunities for Roma women to thrive. 

Largo Kyustendil, a non-profit based in the Roma quarter of Kyustendil, Bulgaria, has been a driving force in empowering Roma women since 2007. Focused on breaking systemic barriers, the organization runs programs centered on education, employment, and community leadership.

“Education is key to breaking the cycle of marginalization,” says Sasho Kovachev, Largo’s director. Over the past decade, the NGO has supported more than ten Roma women in completing university degrees, including a Fulbright scholar now studying in the U.S.

The organization also tackles economic challenges by offering job readiness workshops, soft skills training, and guidance in starting small businesses. “We help women prepare resumes, practice for interviews, and connect with potential employers,” Kovachev explains. These initiatives have helped many Roma women achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.

Community engagement is another pillar of Largo’s approach. The NGO has established six women’s clubs across Bulgaria, creating spaces for Roma women to discuss issues, advocate for solutions, and work with local authorities. One successful campaign focused on building playgrounds in underserved neighborhoods. “We empower women to seek solutions for their communities, whether it’s advocating for better resources or creating safer spaces,” Kovachev adds.

Largo also works to reshape public perceptions. Their national photo exhibition featuring successful Roma women has traveled to seven cities, inspiring thousands. Accompanying videos tell stories of women pursuing dreams like becoming medical professionals. “When people see these stories, it challenges stereotypes and shows the strength and potential of Roma women,” Kovachev emphasizes.

Reneta envisions a future where Roma women can freely choose their paths without being tethered by cultural or societal expectations. “I dream of the day when I walk into a high-level office and see it filled with Roma women — not as tokens but as equals,” she says. Her work and resilience continue to inspire a new generation of Roma women to break their own chains and rewrite their narratives.

In Romania, Bucharest-based E-Romnja is dedicated to supporting Roma women. Unlike larger-scale programs, E-Romnja focuses on building long-term trust and involvement within specific communities, such as those in Prahova, Bacău, and Giurgiu counties. “We don’t move from one region to another,” explains Anca Nica, a representative of E-Romnja. “Locally, people know we address women’s issues, and they come to us. We don’t actively ‘seek out victims’.”

The organization’s work also involves combating intersectional discrimination. “Roma women face compounded vulnerabilities,” Nica notes. “They are marginalized not only as women but also as Roma, often living in poverty and lacking access to education, healthcare, and the labor market.” This perspective guides E-Romnja’s initiatives, ensuring they respond to the multifaceted challenges faced by Roma women.

One of the most appreciated projects that E-Romnja supported was the “Gala of Roma Women”, an annual event held from 2016 to 2020. It celebrated Roma women excelling in fields like education and healthcare, providing role models and challenging stereotypes. Additionally, the organization has established initiative groups in local communities, offering a safe space for women to share their experiences and collectively tackle issues like domestic violence.

While Largo focuses heavily on education and community-led projects, E-Romnja advocates for broader legislative changes. “I would like to see Romania harmonize the European Directive addressing forced marriages,” Nica stresses. “We also need more specialized services for victims and state-funded training for professionals in social work, the police force, and healthcare.

The path forward requires not only the continued dedication of NGOs and activists but also the involvement of policymakers, communities, and individuals. 

Krivonozova’s path could serve as a role model for other Roma girls in Europe. Facing discrimination both within and outside the Roma community, she left to pursue her education and career.

“There are many expectations of me both from Roma and non-Roma people in Bulgaria,” she says. “In my community, I am considered a bad example of a woman because I openly advocate for Roma women’s rights. Outside of it, I am often perceived as uneducated or pitiable. But I refuse to live under that pressure and dedicate my life to doing what I feel is important.”

Reneta remains optimistic and motivated. “I wish little Reneta had people like adult Reneta in her life,” she says. “I strive to create spaces where young Roma girls can focus on who they want to be, not just conform to societal molds.” 

Her advice to young Roma women is simple yet powerful: “Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be. Explore what makes you happy and pursue it wholeheartedly.”
 

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

by Lilia Atanasova

“I stopped eating normally,” recalls Nicole, a 13-year-old Bulgarian girl. She tells a poignant story of mental health struggles. Her journey began in early 2022 when dissatisfaction with her appearance triggered a profound personal crisis.

“No matter how much weight I lost, I never felt good about myself.” At home, constant pressure about academic performance overwhelmed her, leaving her feeling trapped and exhausted. Extra tutoring became an additional source of criticism, further eroding her self-esteem.

Self-harm was a coping mechanism during her darkest moments. Social challenges compounded her struggles, with a manipulative friendship turning her school environment toxic. Music remained her only comfort.

The lack of meaningful mental health support at her school became painfully evident. “I was afraid to seek help,” Nicole explains. While occasional psychology classes occurred, they rarely addressed genuine mental health concerns. Teachers seemed more focused on academic scores than understanding the underlying reasons for students’ behaviors.

Nicole’s story is emblematic of a widespread issue: the lack of sufficient mental health support in Bulgarian and Romanian schools. Her story highlights a critical need for compassionate, proactive mental health resources in educational settings — where empathy should matter more than metrics.

Global statistics underscore this urgency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 15% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders, typically emerging around age 14. A UNICEF report from 2021 revealed that 11.2% of teens aged 10–19 in Bulgaria had a diagnosed mental disorder, while self-harm was a leading cause of death among EU teens. In Romania, nearly one-third of teenagers reported frequent feelings of sadness, and nearly half had considered suicide. This alarming data indicates an urgent need for more robust mental health policies in schools.

Gaps in Mental Health Policies 

There are significant gaps in the governmental policies of both countries regarding mental health support for young people. 

Experts in Romania say that there are often cases where school psychologists are responsible for up to 800 students across multiple schools, leaving them unable to offer regular presentations or sessions. This shortage of psychoeducational programs is particularly concerning, given that adolescence is a vulnerable period for mental health development. 

Ioana Tonceanu, an outreach coordinator for  Mental Health for Romania, explains that there is a lack of more reliable information and too few professionals who would be able to deal with this situation. Another failing is the fact that though most school specialists have received training on students’ development, they don’t have sufficient knowledge regarding their vulnerabilities. 

She says that investing in training programs for teachers that give them the opportunity to specialize in working with vulnerable populations is crucial, especially in rural areas, to better train teachers in terms of handling mental health problems and knowing what to do in case they have students suffering from a crisis or chronic condition.

Bella Damyanova, a psychotherapist and coordinator at Sofia-based National Network for Children, stresses the need for parental involvement and a supportive family environment. She highlights challenges, such as inadequate wages and support for social workers, adding that improving working conditions is crucial for protecting vulnerable children.

NGOs like Mental Health for Romania and the National Network for Children, NNC, currently fill these gaps, but sustainable solutions require systematic government action. As Nicole’s experience illustrates, immediate action is essential. Students must be empowered to speak openly about their mental health, and schools need the resources and trained personnel to adequately support them. Addressing mental health openly can lead not only to healthier students but also to stronger, more compassionate school communities across both countries.

Raising Awareness about Mental Health in Bulgaria 

Damyanova also counsels children at the National Children’s Hotline (116 111) for Bulgaria. She says that many children call on the phone because they need someone to listen to them and to support them. “Perhaps this is the only safe place where they remain anonymous, where they can share some of the painful things they are going through,” she says.

As Damyanova explains, regular screenings are a key part of the NNC’s efforts to identify mental health issues in children from a very young age. “The younger the child, the more adaptable they are, making it easier to address challenges and provide the right support.” For this reason, she is convinced this practice should be more frequently implemented in policies regarding the protection of children and their psychological support.

Polina Petkova, founder and host of the mental health podcast “Inside Out”, also aims to shed light on mental health issues. She started the project, originally supported by UNICEF and a youth media outlet called Teen Station, when she was only 17 years old. It was the first audio-format program on this topic in Bulgaria. 

“When the idea for this podcast began four years ago, mental health was still a taboo topic in Bulgaria. I wanted to spark a discussion, especially to give young people safe and accessible ways to seek mental health support,” says Petkova. 

The most popular topics on the podcast — those with the most views and engagement — focus on career choices for young people and decisions related to their education, especially whether to study abroad or stay in Bulgaria. Many young people find themselves at this crossroads, and Petkova aims to bring in guests who not only offer expertise but also engage the audience in meaningful discussions.

“It’s hard for young people to speak up because many feel ashamed of their struggles and battle with self-worth,” Petkova explains. While she acknowledges a growing awareness about mental health issues, she cautions against relying too heavily on social media for advice. “Social media plays a role in raising awareness, but it can also complicate things. Not all sources are trustworthy, so young people should be cautious about the information they find online.”

Petkova believes the key to progress lies in integrating mental health support within schools. “Ensuring every student has access to a well-trained psychologist is both possible and necessary,” she says, emphasizing the need for qualified professionals. To push for change, she urges students and organizations to advocate for educational reforms. “Broad discussions and active youth involvement are the best ways to engage the government and spark real change.”

She also encourages young people to confide in loved ones when struggling and to consider therapy as a proactive step. “I believe therapy benefits everyone, whether or not they think they have a problem. It should be a regular part of self-care.”

Let’s Talk About Mental Health in Romania

The situation surrounding mental health among youth in Romania doesn’t differ much from Bulgaria. 

In Romania, about 22,000 children and adolescents are living with a mental illness, and many others have faced various developmental, emotional, or cognitive disorders, according to a UNICEF policy brief on child and adolescent mental health. It is noteworthy that 69% of depressive episodes were reported in the age group over 15 years old, a much higher share compared to those younger than 10. 

Mental Health for Romania has been working since 2020 to raise awareness and drive positive change in mental health. Founded and run by young people, the organization develops projects to bridge Romania’s mental health awareness gap. “In Western Europe, there are many mental health initiatives, but Romania lacks them. We felt it was time to change that,” says outreach coordinator Ioana Tonceanu.

One key project is a specialist map, allowing people to find and connect with psychologists and psychiatrists. Another, “Let’s Bring Mental Health to Schools”, sends volunteers into high schools to present mental health concepts, case studies, and real stories of people experiencing depression or anxiety. “We work with teachers and school principals, and we aim to expand to school psychologists to make the program sustainable,” Tonceanu says.

The workshops cover essential topics beyond common disorders, including brain function, environmental influences, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social life. While students have been engaging enthusiastically, stigma remains a barrier in many schools. “Some fear discussing mental health might further stigmatize classmates,” Tonceanu notes, stressing the need for open conversations to foster understanding and empathy.

She also warns against misinformation online, where mood swings are mislabeled as bipolar disorder or temporary sadness as depression. “Pathologizing normal emotions leads to confusion. It’s important to distinguish between occasional struggles and clinical conditions,” she adds.

Ultimately, the organization’s goal is to make mental health discussions accessible, engaging, and stigma-free, ensuring young people have the knowledge and support they need.

“Talking about it can help reduce judgment, as it allows people to understand how it feels and makes it easier for them to connect and empathize with these situations.” 

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Yoan Angelov and Teodor-Mihai Popescu 

Obesity is on the rise across the world, but the rates in Bulgaria and Romania are particularly alarming. From childhood to adulthood, an increasing number of people in these countries are struggling with weight-related issues, and experts are warning that the health consequences could be severe if action isn’t taken soon. But what is driving this epidemic, and what—if anything—is being done about it?

The Growing Struggles of Young People

For Andreea, a 9th-grade student in Romania, maintaining a balanced diet has become an uphill battle.

“I no longer respect my mealtimes. High school has made my lifestyle sedentary, especially with my long commute and extracurricular activities. My parents don’t understand how stress has disrupted my diet, though my friends try to support me in making healthier choices. I feel stressed and lonely,” she confesses.

Andreea’s experience is not unique. Mara, another student from Romania, admits that during exam periods, she turns to food for comfort, even though she knows it doesn’t help in the long run.

“I haven’t talked to my family or friends about this because I’m afraid of being judged. My grades are fine, but my health is suffering,” she says.

These are just two voices in a much larger conversation about weight and health in Bulgaria and Romania. Across these nations, obesity rates continue to climb, especially among children and young adults. But why?

A Crisis in the Making

In 2013, obesity rates among children were already concerning. According to the statistics of World Health Organisation, 12.3% of 7-year-olds in Bulgaria and 11,6% of 8-year-olds in Romania were classified as obese. Ten years later, in 2023 the situation is even worse and the figures are 14% in Bulgaria and 12% in Romania.

Among adults, the statistics are even more troubling. A 2022 Eurostat survey found that:

• In Bulgaria, 52.9% of adults are overweight, with 22% of young adults (16–24) affected.
• In Romania, the numbers are higher, with 58.9% of adults and 19.8% of young adults overweight.

So, what’s behind these figures?

In many Eastern European cultures, a chubby child is often seen as a healthy child. But as Dr. Mikhail Okoliski, a health expert from Bulgaria, points out, this perception can lead to lifelong struggles. “If weight issues aren’t addressed early, they can carry into adulthood, making it even harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Romanian pediatrician Diana Belu agrees, emphasizing the role of diet. “Too many high-fat, high-sugar foods lead to excessive calorie intake. This, combined with a lack of exercise, is a recipe for weight gain.”

The rise of sedentary lifestyles—particularly among students—also contributes to the problem. Between long school days, homework, and extracurricular activities, many young people have little time for exercise. Moreover, stress often leads to emotional eating, something both Andreea and Mara have experienced firsthand.

While lifestyle is a major factor, genetics also play a role. “Some people inherit genes that influence how their body stores fat and burns calories,” explains Dr. Belu. “But even for those with a genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices still make a big difference.”

Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a serious health risk. Overweight children are far more likely to become overweight adults, increasing their risk for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, metabolic syndrome, etc.

According to a study by Dr. Ekaterina Chikova-Ischener, the percentage of overweight Bulgarian children has risen from 28.2% in 2008 to 32% in 2023. The numbers for Romania show a similar increase.

Medical experts warn that without intervention, these numbers will continue to climb, leading to a generation of adults facing severe health complications.

What’s Being Done?

In Bulgaria, nutrition programs in kindergartens are well-regulated, but these efforts often fade once children enter primary school. “Despite efforts to educate children about healthy eating, junk food remains widely accessible,” says Dr. Okoliski.

Recognizing this, in 2023, the Romanian government proposed banning sugary drinks and high-fat, high-salt foods from schools. Schools would also be required to provide detailed nutritional labels on food products. While this is a step in the right direction, enforcement remains a challenge—many children still buy their own snacks outside of school.

Some governments are turning to taxation as a solution. The Bulgarian Dental Union has proposed a sugar tax to reduce consumption, but the food industry has pushed back, arguing that companies might switch to artificial sweeteners instead.

Romania has already implemented a “sugar tax,” raising the commercial tax on sugary products from 9% to 19%. While the government claims this will improve public health, controversy arose when Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu revealed a “gentleman’s agreement” with Coca-Cola Romania—suggesting that tax revenue may be redirected to support the company.

If current trends continue, childhood obesity worldwide is expected to more than double by 2035. Estimates suggest:

• The number of obese boys will rise to 208 million (a 100% increase).
• The number of obese girls will rise to 175 million (a 125% increase).

With obesity growing at a faster rate among children than adults, experts agree that urgent action is needed. This means better education on healthy eating, stricter regulations on junk food, and more opportunities for children to stay active.

“We must act now,” warns Dr. Okoliski. “Otherwise, we risk creating a future where obesity—and its consequences—become the new normal.”

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Amalia Theodora Rusu, Raya Yordanova, and Tudor Catalin

A growing phenomenon has become more and more common along the easternmost banks of the Danube. Some of the brightest minds in Romania and Bulgaria are packing their bags and going to the West. Every year, thousands of young people leave these countries to study abroad, particularly in Western Europe or North America. While some never return, others come back with fresh perspectives and a desire to effect positive change in their home countries. All of them leave behind the familiar landscapes, communities, and languages of their childhood in a quest for better opportunities. What makes these young people want to leave their countries? Why do some people choose to return to the very places they once wanted to escape?

Better Educational Opportunities

One of the most cited reasons for leaving is the better quality of education offered abroad, especially in Western European countries like the UK, Germany, and France or in North America. Romanian and Bulgarian students often find that universities abroad offer more modern curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and a stronger emphasis on research and critical thinking compared to the traditionalist and often underfunded systems at home.

For example, 25% of Romanians aged 25–34 had a college or university degree, compared with the EU average of 42% and the EU-level target of 45%, according to a report conducted by the European Commission in 2023. The situation in Bulgaria isn’t much different. On average, one third of the Bulgarian population aged 25–34 holds a higher education degree. 

Huci Petruț Rares, a Romanian student at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, shares how he made the decision to leave Romania for better educational opportunities. 

“Right now, in Romania, there aren’t many opportunities once you graduate, whereas abroad, universities tend to have partnerships with big companies and can offer some pretty decent starting positions, like internships or something similar, so you can gain experience,” he said, adding that he had chosen the Netherlands for the combination of affordability and quality of education offered there. 

“…with Brexit, costs in England have gone up, [but] the Netherlands offers universities that are almost as good in terms of education, and you don’t pay as much,” Rares says. The country’s education system, which emphasizes independent study, was also appealing to him.

Leea F., another Romanian student disenchanted with the quality of education in her home country, left to study management in the UK. She says a university education holds little value in Romania, describing it as a “Mickey Mouse degree” that is not truly appreciated. 

Leea also feels that the Romanian educational system is becoming increasingly less recognized abroad, which further diminishes the prospects for graduates. Her critical perspective highlights the challenges faced by students who seek to leverage their education in a global context.

“My goal was to get the best education possible. I was just looking for a university, and my way of judging was to see where their graduates work. If that was in Bulgaria, I would have stayed in Bulgaria,” says Preslav Kushev, a 19-year-old prepatory year student at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. 

Kushev finds the more innovative means of teaching and learning at Western universities compelling.

“Bulgarian art educational institutions definitely have their positive sides, but I feel like you also need an environment for experimentation. Western academies have a better experimentation environment than Bulgarian ones, at least from what I’ve seen.”

In addition to a quality education, many students also seek more dynamic job markets and higher salaries abroad. Romania and Bulgaria, though improving, still face economic instability and lower wages compared to their Western counterparts. A young Bulgarian or Romanian graduate in the UK or Germany can earn two to three times more there than they would in their home country.

The statistics reflect this disparity. According to Eurostat, the average monthly wage in Romania in 2023 was around €1,100, while in Germany it stood at over €4,000. Many students, after investing time and resources into their education, want to ensure that they can land better paid jobs abroad.

Career opportunities abroad also played a significant role in Kushev’s decision to leave. “Through a partnership that my university has with Tesla, I know students who were able to get jobs directly there,” he says. He notes that securing such opportunities is far less likely in Romania. For students like him, entering global markets and gaining experience with large companies abroad presents a clear advantage over staying in his home country.

Alexandra Sorinca, a former student at Birmingham University now doing her PhD at the University of London, left Romania because the teaching methods back home were not very appealing to her. For example, the practical parts of engineering and physics are not taught in school there, as opposed to England. She believes that the cultural exchange offered by study abroad is also beneficial. 

“You grow immensely as a person the moment you have the chance to experience cultural diversity”, she says, adding that living and studying abroad “somehow forces you to grow up, suddenly and quickly, because you’re alone and nowhere near home”. She doesn’t plan on returning to Romania, since her country of origin does not have the resources or technology to properly support and develop the field in which she does research (math and applied physics). 

Corruption, Political Instability Driving Youth Out

Many young people express their disappointment with the political situation in Romania and Bulgaria. Both countries rank poorly in terms of graft, with Transparency International consistently placing them among the most corrupt EU countries. 

This sentiment is echoed by surveys. A 2022 study conducted in Romania found that 68% of respondents under the age of 30 said that their country’s political system offered little to no opportunity for improvement. Many young people view leaving the country as the only viable way to build a stable, successful future.

Leea F. argues that corruption has severely undermined public trust in the Romanian government, leading many to believe that the state will prioritize its own interests over those of its citizens, effectively leaving people to fend for themselves. Leea also points out that there is insufficient investment in youth or students like herself, which she sees as a major obstacle to the country’s progress. 

Some young people feel frustrated by the way they are treated by the education system and the state. Isabela Duicu, another student who left for the Netherlands to study law, felt unheard in her home country. “Back home, nobody cared what students had to say. I felt like my voice would be lost in the system, like so many before me,” she recalls. She was also drawn to the Netherlands’ hands-on education system and the opportunity to study international law, which wasn’t available in Romania at the time.

After four years, she returned home in search of a job. The 2020 pandemic made employment in the Netherlands nearly impossible, but she sees it as a blessing in disguise: “I never expected to enjoy coming back, but I’m really glad I did.” The skills she gained abroad shaped her both personally and professionally. Now, she applies and develops international legal practices at a renowned Romanian law firm.

Not Everyone Plans to Stay Away

Despite the lure of opportunities abroad, a growing number of students are choosing to return to their home countries after completing their education. These returnees, often armed with new skills and experiences, are driving change in the Romanian and Bulgarian business, cultural, and academic environments.

Official statistics show a steady increase in the number of people returning to Bulgaria from abroad—from 5,000 in 2012 to 15,000 in 2020. The pandemic sped up the process with a significant amount of young people who had been studying abroad returning to both Bulgaria and Romania. Many of them decided to stay for good. 

Some young people who have returned cite a strong sense of national pride and the desire to give back to their home countries. These individuals feel a responsibility to bring back the knowledge and experience gained abroad to improve the systems they once fled.

For other students like Juliana Murr, a 19-year-old from Bulgaria, staying in their home country to study is a choice to build their careers and contribute to positive change.

“I would like to do a traineeship somewhere abroad because I want to see what’s out there. But Bulgaria is my home. I do like it here,” she says. “It’s progressing slowly, and I like that. I would love to be a part of that, to come back and help change happen. I like to travel, but I want to live my life here.”

Kushev, the art student in The Hague, also plans to return home. “I would like to return to Bulgaria once I graduate because one of my bigger personal goals is to contribute in some way to making the country a better place,” he says, adding that his hope is to apply what he learned abroad. 

Emerging Opportunities at Home

In recent years, Romania and Bulgaria have experienced significant economic growth, especially in sectors like IT and engineering. For example, Romania’s GDP per capita between 2012 and 2022 rose from 57% to 77% of the EU median, while the same indicator rose from 47% to 59% in Bulgaria. The rise of start-ups, combined with increased EU funding for development projects, is creating new opportunities that were not available a decade ago. For many returnees, the chance to be part of their country’s transformation is too tempting to pass up.

A report by the ECFR (November 2020) states that over 558,000 Bulgarian citizens entered Bulgaria during the strictest lockdown period (March–May 2020). 

The allure of home is also a strong factor for some young people who study abroad. While they may find better material opportunities in other countries, they miss the sense of community and the cultural ties that are deeply embedded in their home countries.

Challenges of Returning

While there are clear reasons why some choose to return, the journey home is not without its challenges. Many returnees face bureaucratic obstacles, corruption, or a lack of institutional support when trying to apply the experience they gained abroad. Additionally, adjusting to a slower pace and outdated work practices can be frustrating.

One initiative addressing these challenges is Tuk–Tam, a Bulgarian organization that connects professionals who have studied or worked abroad with opportunities at home. Tuk–Tam provides networking events, mentorship programs, and career resources to support returning Bulgarians in their reintegration onto the local job market.

Stefana, a Romanian student, has truly embraced the “international” in international student. She studied political science and international relations in Amsterdam, earned a master’s in Berlin, and spent semesters abroad in Argentina and India—gaining invaluable experience along the way.

When asked about returning to Romania, she says, “Leaving never felt like a break from my past, but an opportunity to grow—personally and professionally.” She would gladly return home once she feels she can make a meaningful impact in her field, which remains underdeveloped in Romania.

Stefana’s point reflects a common reality for many students who wish to return: they haven’t done so yet not because they don’t want to but because their home countries’ systems cannot yet support their fields, research, or careers at the level they deserve. Perhaps as these systems improve and modernize, the “drained brains” will finally flow back into Romania and Bulgaria.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Maria Hristova 

“Sometimes schools fail kids, rather than kids failing/leaving schools,” says Ionela Munteanu, a teaching supervisor at Teach for Romania, a Bucharest-based non-profit, part of the global network Teach for All, which aims to improve access to quality education. 

She joined the organization in 2018 as a trainer and since then started mentoring teachers in low-income schools. She has been teaching at such schools for 10 years in rural areas across the country, and she has witnessed firsthand the problems educators face.

Often times those schools, many of them run down and lacking infrastructure, are located in remote areas which limit access for some students and fail to attract qualified educators. As a result, quality of education suffers and many students are seldom motivated to complete their classwork, let alone continue their education. Not surprisingly, pupils in rural schools are one of the groups at highest risk of early leaving from education and training, ELET, a term which refers to young people between 18 and 24 with a qualification lower than upper secondary who are more likely to be unemployed or inactive or to land low-paid jobs at best. 

“In secondary school, they [students] leave school because they have problems with their learning or they have behavioral problems,” says Munteanu.

According to Eurostat data, Romania has the highest rate of early leavers from education and training in the European Union, with 16.6% of the population aged 18–24 having completed at most lower secondary education in 2023. This is significantly higher than the EU average of 9.5%. Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s rate of 9.3% is lower than Romania’s but still above the EU-level target for 2030. The stark difference between these two Balkan countries and the EU average highlights the severity of the early school-leaving crisis they are facing.

Despite efforts to improve education access and quality, Romania and Bulgaria continue to grapple with alarmingly high rates of early school-leaving, far exceeding the European Union average. This crisis is driven by a complex web of factors, from segregation and resource disparities to the unique challenges facing rural students. 

Educational specialists from both nations agree that the system faces more challenges in rural areas and among minority groups. The cause of dropping out of school differs, however. While in Romania social exclusion and lack of qualified staff are pointed out as main reasons, in Bulgaria the educational system is failing to offer practical skills, which means children see little purpose in it and leave. 

Social exclusion is usually the major reason for a student in Romania to drop out of school, according to a report by Youth Wiki—an online platform within the European Commission website designed to provide evidence and support European cooperation in the field of youth. Among the groups at highest risk are minorities, marginalised groups, and pupils from rural areas.

The issue of early school-leaving is a complex one, with factors ranging from systemic deficiencies and the quality of education to socio-economic challenges faced by students and their families.

Rural Areas: Students Left Behind

The urban–rural educational divide can contribute to early school-leaving, as students in rural areas face a number of unique challenges. These include a lack of reliable transportation, school resources, and equipment, as well as language barriers for minority students.

“The main challenge, I would say, is [lack of] transportation. It has been a challenge and still is,” says Nicoleta Cibu, an English teacher for 9th to 12th grade students at the Technological High School in Sebes, a town in Central Romania. “Sometimes there are no means of transport for them to get to school.” 

While students in this school come from approximately 30 villages and the school year for them ends on July 1st, public transport to Sebes stops running in June. 

Lyuba Jordanova, a specialist in strategic partnerships at Teach for Bulgaria and a former journalist, notes a similar issue, with some students having no transportation to school at all or bus schedules that don’t align with the school schedule.

The material conditions in schools might also raise concerns. Munteanu has witnessed teachers in these rural schools putting in significant effort to acquire the necessary equipment and supplies for their students through applying for grants, collaborating with non-profit organizations, or even using their own personal funds. In contrast, insufficient supplies are not such a problem in Bulgaria’s rural schools.

Language barriers might also be an issue for some students in rural areas. Often, Roma or Turkish children begin school with limited proficiency in the official language. As Yoanna Dimitrova, a teacher in Razhena, a village in Central Bulgaria, explains, “To a certain extent it is not fair for the bilinguals to have to receive the same education as the other children.” She cites the example of other countries where such students take preparatory language classes, but in Bulgaria that is not a practice. 

Many rural schools also struggle to attract qualified educators, especially if they are located in a remote area. But experts warn about a bigger challenge. While the number of teachers may vary by subject area, Munteanu suggests that the bigger need is for more psychologists and specialists to support students with learning difficulties and special needs, as school is about more than just teachers.

The Trap of Segregation: Another Reason for Early School-Leaving?

In both Bulgaria and Romania, the issue of segregated schools where students are separated by ethnicity, often affecting Roma children, is an important factor contributing to early school dropout.

In Romania, the practice of placing Roma students in separate classes has decreased following a requirement to distribute students alphabetically. However, as Munteanu explains: “it used to be by classes, but now it is more by schools… but even with that it happens to have segregation problems inside the classes. Maybe some teachers don’t treat some of the kids very well because they know they have a different ethnicity.”

The situation is similar in Bulgaria, where Jordanova has observed in many segregated Roma schools that “often there is no educational process happening.” She recounts a story from Kyustendil, a small city in western Bulgaria, where Roma families self-organized to transport their children to other, non-segregated schools in town.

Jordanova identifies another factor contributing to educational inequality in the financial resources of families. In 7th grade, when students take an exam to enter high school, “if parents can afford private tutoring, the student can score better on their exam and be accepted in a more prestigious school.” This results in a system where “we have schools where the students are supported by their parents and private teachers and schools where the students very often do not have support at home.”

The impact of this inequality is evident in PISA test results. In the 2022 mathematics assessment, the score of socioeconomically disadvantaged students in Bulgaria was 108 points lower than advantaged students. In Romania, the gap was 132 points, far exceeding the average 93-point difference across OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.

Addressing the systemic issues of school segregation and educational inequality will be crucial to reducing early school dropout in these Balkan nations.

The education ministries in Bulgaria and Romania did not respond to questions related to segregated education in both countries.

Bulgarian Children Not Finding School Practical

The Bulgarian education system faces some unique challenges. According to the same report by Youth Wiki, a key issue is the disconnect between what is studied in school and real-world life. “Students fail to see how what they learn in the classroom relates to their lives outside of school, causing them to lose interest,” says Jordanova. 

“The Bulgarian school curriculum and assessment system need to be modernized and don’t correspond to the needs of the economy and students. The lack of relevance between classroom material and real-world life can alienate students and contribute to dropout rates,” she adds.

Jordanova also points out that students receive little practical training from their education. She believes these factors, along with some children emigrating abroad with their parents, are leading to high rates of early school-leaving in Bulgaria.

Reform Do Not Equal Money

The experts interviewed for this article emphasize that addressing the early school-leaving crisis in Romania and Bulgaria requires more than just increased funding. While additional resources are certainly needed, they argue that comprehensive, integrated policy approaches are essential.

One promising solution highlighted by Jordanova is the involvement of mediators who can work with both students and their families to promote the value of education. However, she notes that the role of mediators is not emphasized enough by the state, and it is often left to the civil sector to fill this gap in districts where such programs exist. In Romania, for example, education mediators are mostly employed by bigger schools. 

Bilyana Milanova, an extracurricular activities teacher in a primary school in the Bulgarian village of Brestnitza, says “Roma children are everywhere, but state or municipal policies are not really oriented towards them.”

The Bulgarian education ministry plans to address some of the issues with projects such as “Strong Start” which aims to train up to 3,500 educators, mediators, and social workers between 2024 and 2029. The initiative will also provide support for 75,000 parents and children at pre-school age through fostering positive attitudes towards education. It will additionally focus on improving the academic results of students between first and seventh grade as well as helping them to choose where to apply for high school.

In 2021 the ministry created an instrument for teachers to identify early on which students are at risk of dropping out. Despite these policies, the total number of children leaving school and kindergarten remains high:  53,000, according to the ministry’s data from November 2022 and cited by “Sega”, a Bulgarian newspaper. 

Beyond the role of mediators, the experts point to the need for more holistic policy approaches that go beyond just the education sector. 

As Munteanu explains, “it is important to encourage small businesses and to invest in small communities.” 

Milanova envisions an “efficient social policy in which psychologists, social workers and people from different fields work with the families” to address the root causes of early school-leaving.

Ultimately, the experts emphasize that teachers play a crucial role in keeping students engaged and in the classroom. But teachers need the right support, training, and resources to be effective in this role, which requires a concerted effort from policymakers, community leaders, and the education system as a whole.

As Munteanu concludes, “You have to help them. They don’t leave school if the school doesn’t leave them.” 

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Emma Dezsӧ, Bianca Tănase and Kornelia Tomaszewicz

Cycling safety in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova is a constant concern, as Romania reported a cyclist fatality every two days in 2022 and Bulgaria had the highest road accident fatality rate in Europe in 2023. The situation is not better in Moldova, where the ongoing cycling safety crisis came into the spotlight only after a 12-year-old junior cycling champion lost his life while biking in 2023.

In these countries, the lack of protective measures and safe infrastructure not only endangers cyclists but also raises serious concerns about the care and safety of the most vulnerable road users, especially children and young people.

Moldova’s mysterious bike monument

In Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, at the intersection between Pushkin and August 31st Street sits a small, white bicycle, which no local has seen move since its sudden appearance in March 2023. The sign stuck to its back wheel reads “In memory of the cyclists that have lost their lives in road accidents”, and it bears a photo of a young boy riding a sportbike.

This is a “ghost bike”—a memorial left by the side of the road in the wake of a cyclist who has died or been seriously injured, usually at the hands of the driver of a motor vehicle.

This particular bike was placed in honor of Valerian Railean, a junior cycling champion killed whilst biking in a suburb of the city, training for a competition. His tragic death in February 2023 led to protests in the city, urging authorities to take the topic of bike safety more seriously.

“We arranged the ghost bike there, even if the accident happened in [the suburbs] because it’s a symbolic place for cyclists, they always gather there. So it’s an impactful, important place for the cycling community in Chișinău,” says Ana Popa, the co-founder of the Bicycle Alliance of Chișinău.

Valerian’s case is not unique, however: the most recent case of a cyclist hit by a car was reported on October 18th, when a 70-year-old woman was struck and killed by a 29-year-old driver whilst riding her bicycle.

A new bike lane, but there is still work to be done

Chișinău is a city designed to be accessible by bus, car, and tram line. Bike-friendly architecture has only come into focus within recent years, as people began noticing the need to accommodate a growing community of people who cycle for transportation.

The newly added bike lane which begins right by Valerian’s monument on August 31st Street has made a significant impact on bicycle infrastructure in the capital. However, Ana says, it still needs to be worked on and expanded:

“It will be fully functional when it will be connected to a bike lane which connects all the main streets of Chișinău, all the sectors. Because you can’t say that a bike lane is perfectly functional when it starts and ends in the centre. You have to connect it with all the sectors. I’m not saying to create bike infrastructure in the whole city, but if they take what they did on August 31st Street and continue this idea of connecting this road with Botanica, with Buiucani, with Rîșcani, with all the sectors of the city, on their main street, I think this will create considerably better bike infrastructure. After this, when you see that it works, you can expand the network. But this would be a very necessary first step.”

Although a good bike infrastructure does not necessarily guarantee bike safety, in the greenest city in Romania, according to Green Community, Brașov, cyclists are still plagued by feelings of anxiety.

“Green City” with risky roads for cyclists

Dana Munteanu is a passionate biker strongly involved with the cyclist community of Brașov. One day, she had an accident that occurred at a roundabout near the outskirts of the city, a moment that could have ended far worse than it did. “I was fully prepared,” Dana recalled, “signaled my entry into the roundabout, and then, out of nowhere, a van with right-hand drive appeared from the opposite direction.” The driver claimed he hadn’t seen her and lightly clipped the back wheel of her bike, sending Dana flying nearly 10 meters. “Luckily, I landed on the grassy area of the roundabout instead of the road. My injuries could have been much worse if I had hit the pavement that day.”

It’s been about two years since then. Dana adds that she has only ridden her bike on the street a couple of times since, as she prefers using the sidewalk, even if it means risking a fine. The traffic is usually way too heavy to guarantee her own safety. This type of violation is categorized by the Romanian Traffic Code as a third-class sanction, and it may cost civilians up to €170 in fines.

Whilst it is a known fact that the cyclist community in Brașov is ever-growing, City Hall does not take action towards building bike-friendly infrastructure. Adults are bound by the law to use this means of transportation only on the streets, alongside cars and other motor vehicles. The kids and teens who bike are not being accounted for in any legislation at this moment in time.

As a result of the very little action that the Municipality takes, citizens have had to take action into their own hands.

“We have some possible opportunities and potential funding from the European Union and other entities that are willing to invest in bicycle infrastructure projects,” said Maximilian Munteanu on behalf of Biciclește Omenește (Cycle Kindly in English), an initiative that aims for Brașov to become a biker-safe city.

The significant lack of cyclists on the streets of Brașov is a direct effect of the dangers involved. Families are obligated to ride bikes on the sidewalks due to the risk of collision, while pedestrians need to watch out for them. This creates a vicious cycle where neither group feels safe, further discouraging cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation.

Maximilian Munteanu explained the hypothetical plans that aim to provide more efficient access for pedestrians and cyclists: “It was my idea to have a backbone-type structure, a main artery that connects the two farthest ends of the city, and from there to branch off various alternative routes. That’s what seemed logical to me.”

Although the alternative routes would be safer, less congested, and reduce pressure on the city’s main roads while promoting eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the idea remains just a pending project.

If an “eco-friendly” city cannot ensure fellow bikers’ safety while also ensuring adequate infrastructure and protection for road users, then can this mean that a family destination will cater to families who want to enjoy cycling together?

Family-friendly or family risk?

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria’s notorious playground for wild nightlife and long beaches, has once again been crowned Europe’s “Best-value Family Destination” for 2024. Yet beneath the glittering surface emerges a darker concern about the rising safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians.

“The roads need improving because there are a lot of manholes, ditches, and bumps that can cause serious trouble for cyclists,” says Robert Nawrocki, a 24-year-old Polish seasonal worker in Sunny Beach. “Designated cycling lanes should be created and marked accordingly because there are areas next to the sidewalk that look like bike lanes, but without any stripes or signs, no one knows for sure. If you’re someone who cycles out of necessity, like for work, there needs to be investment to make it safer.”

The lack of proper bike lanes has become a major issue for both locals and visitors, forcing cyclists to share the road with cars and pedestrians. Nawrocki recounts a near-miss while cycling: “I was riding in an area that didn’t have a cycling lane, so I had to ride on the road. As I was taking a turn, a car sped towards me. We both had to brake sharply—an accident could’ve easily happened.”

These issues are more than just inconveniences; they’re serious safety risks. Nawrocki adds, “So many scooterists have had fatalities, and many tragic accidents have happened this year. Just last month, there was a tragic accident involving a scooterist who was hit by a car. If it can happen to a scooterist, it can just as easily happen to a cyclist. “

The danger extends to pedestrians as well, with numerous recent incidents involving people hit by cars, compounding the risks on already chaotic streets. Nawrocki explains, “I’ve seen people almost get run over by cyclists and cars on a daily basis.”

Sunny Beach’s streets are notoriously cramped. Cars park wherever they can, taking up valuable space, while sidewalks are so overcrowded that pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads. “It gets ridiculously busy,” Nawrocki says. “You’ve got parked cars on one side, but the sidewalk is packed, so everyone ends up on the road. There are cars trying to get through, and everyone’s making way for cyclists and motorcyclists. It’s chaotic.”

The roads, barely wide enough for one-way traffic, are used by vehicles and pedestrians in both directions, creating a dangerous environment. “It’s essentially the size of a one-way road,” Nawrocki explains, “but people are going in both directions. It’s crazy. There’s too many people passing, all at the same time. “

Pedestrians are not safe either. “You almost get run over three or four times a day by cyclists riding on the sidewalks or the road,” Nawrocki continues. The lack of clear divisions between sidewalks and cycling lanes means that pedestrians end up sharing space with fast-moving vehicles. “People are walking on the road everywhere, especially in the city center. It needs to be more organized so everyone can pass through safely and effectively”.

Despite these growing concerns, local authorities seem more focused on building new complexes and improving tourist areas than addressing the safety issues on the streets. Recently, Sunny Beach JSC completed a major renovation project in the Eastern Zone of Sunny Beach, including upgrades to Central Alley with new pavement, improved green spaces, and modern lighting. Cuban Alley also underwent substantial repairs, such as new drainage systems and updated communications infrastructure. While these improvements have enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of the area.

Let’s make Sunny Beach bike-friendly!

Although improvements for cyclists have remained largely stagnant, there are many concepts proposed by urbanists and those promoting alternative methods of transportation.

Specialized cycling lanes are not just a luxury but a crucial element for safety. Clearly marked lanes will provide cyclists with a safe path, preventing conflicts with pedestrians and drivers. It is not enough to focus solely on urban development when such a basic issue remains unsolved.

Wider sidewalks and clearly designated pedestrian areas are not mere conveniences; they are essential for ensuring safe passage and comfort. The lack of organization and clarity creates chaos and risks that could be avoided with a little effort by urban planners and local governments.

Investing in these improvements is about more than aesthetics; it represents fundamental needs for the protection of residents and visitors. Sunny Beach can continue to be a successful and secure choice for years to come, provided these key aspects of infrastructure development are addressed.

From equipment to lanes: Brașov’s push for safer cycling

Similarly, in Brașov, ensuring biker safety involves not only enhancing infrastructure but also implementing prudent safety measures.

Chief Agent Daniel Zontea from the Brașov Traffic Police Department emphasized, “The first thing we should consider after acquiring a bicycle is to focus on equipping it properly. Make sure to have a white light at the front and a red light at the back.”

He also touches on the fact that the Traffic Code specifies only obligations regarding the bicycle’s lighting system, braking system, and also the use of a horn. Although it might seem like a burden to many bikers, he emphasizes the importance of these requirements for ensuring safety on the road. Proper lighting and functioning brakes are crucial for visibility and control, while a horn can help alert others to your presence, reducing the risk of accidents.

In parallel with these individual safety measures, efforts are underway to enhance the broader infrastructure for biking in Brașov.

“We are continuing projects to develop the necessary infrastructure for environmentally friendly transportation systems. We have started the procurement procedures for two of the bike lanes that Brasov will have in the coming years that will profoundly transform our city in terms of mobility,” stated Brașov’s mayor Allen Coliban.

The City Hall has initiated two procurement procedures for the design and construction of a bike lane that will connect the Valea Cetății neighborhood to the civic center, as well as another lane linking the Făget area with Griviței Boulevard and Mihai Viteazu Street, and from there, via another bike lane, to the intersection at Ceasu’ Rău.

Brașov’s biking community isn’t just hopeful about upcoming changes—they’ve been actively demanding better infrastructure for years. With this in mind, it’s certainly a significant milestone that their persistent advocacy is starting to bear fruit.

How community sustains cyclists

Similarly, the vitality of a biking community in fostering safer streets and encouraging broader participation is evident in Chișinău as well. The presence of a community centered around alternative methods of transport is vital to keeping roads safe and encouraging people to join the movement.

Critical Mass is a type of direct action where participants ride bicycles in a group at a predetermined place and time. Inspired by the proverb “there’s safety in numbers”, the concept is for individuals to band together to make their streets safer places for one another to cycle. The Bicycle Alliance of Chișinău has begun organizing such an event on the streets of the capital once a month to raise awareness of the difficulties cyclists face in Moldova and advocate for alternative methods of transportation. About their achievements with Critical Mass, co-founder Ana Popa says:

“For me, it’s a big achievement when I see people I don’t know at Critical Mass. This means that new people come and new people find out about it and they support the cause. It’s an achievement when, at our events at the Bicycle Alliance, we see people we don’t know. This means that the community is growing, and we look out for each other.”

Efforts to improve cycling safety are slowly emerging across Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria, but much work remains. In Moldova, the recent installation of bike lanes in Chișinău marks a step forward, yet the infrastructure is still limited to central areas and needs expansion across the city’s districts. Romania has initiated plans for new bike lanes in cities like Brașov, but the persistent cyclist fatalities highlight the urgency for more comprehensive and enforced safety measures. In Bulgaria, where road fatalities remain the highest in Europe, the focus has been more on urban development for tourists rather than on securing safe roads for cyclists and pedestrians.

To truly protect cyclists and promote safer, eco-friendly transportation, all three countries must not only invest in better infrastructure but also enforce strict regulations, educate drivers, and create environments where vulnerable road users are prioritized over cars.

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

By Francesca Istrate and Angel Angelov

Twelve years ago, I suffered from a form of blood cancer called Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a disease that marked my childhood and matured me in a way due to the challenges I faced during a year of hospitalization at a public hospital in the capital of Romania, the Fundeni Clinical Institute. Receiving such a diagnosis changes your life. You are forced to spend all your time in the hospital, often lying in a bed in a ward that becomes your room, shared with other children, far from home and your family. The medical staff and other patients become the “society” you interact with.

I was in my first year of school, a time when I should have been making friends, discovering the world, and enjoying childhood by playing and socializing. However, fate brought me to that hospital, depriving me of all the joys a six-year-old should experience. Twelve years ago, hospital wards were not as modernized as they are now. Patients were typically 6 to 8 children per ward, along with their parents, who slept uncomfortably on any available space — the child’s bed, chairs, or a foam mattress next to the patient’s bed. The wards lacked private bathrooms, with toilets located in the hallway and only 3 or 4 showers for approximately 10 wards. The playroom, where children could escape their health concerns, was a small room that could accommodate no more than 10–15 children.

During that year, I also witnessed significant changes in the infrastructure of the Pediatric Oncology ward, as Professor Doctor Anca Colita managed to raise enough funds for its modernization. She added private bathrooms to each ward and built an isolated section for children with severe conditions who could not interact with others due to their ill health. Despite the joy of seeing improvements in these conditions, it was a difficult period for me because my situation worsened when I contracted a hospital-acquired infection, making me one of the first to use the newly isolated wards.

The only country in the European Union without a children’s hospital

The absence of a modern national children’s hospital has been an ongoing concern for years in Bulgaria. Advocates like the Bulgarian Pediatric Association and the “For the Good” Foundation emphasize the urgent need for a national children’s hospital, urging the National Assembly and the Council of Ministers to prioritize pediatric care and set clear deadlines for its creation. However, this still remains a significant issue for Bulgarian citizens.

Children’s hospitals offer welcoming environments, expert care, and a comprehensive approach that considers the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of the child. Many families waste valuable time going from doctor to doctor about a health concern, which can sometimes lead to very tragic situations.

“Children are not a smaller version of adults, and this applies to development. Which requires a modern approach,” says Doctor Boris Tablov, an anesthesiologist. “The healthcare system is a conservative system, changes happen slowly, their effect is delayed in time, and at the same time the social response is very large,” he continues.

“Worldwide, it has been a practice for many decades to create medical institutions in which to gather specialists from various fields of pediatric care who can provide complex medical care and assistance for children,” says Nadezhda Tsekulova, a member of the Public Council for the National Children’s Hospital. “There is no other country in the European Union that lacks this type of highly specialized National Children’s Hospital. Bulgaria is the only one!” .

Donate life to children

While the situation is concerning in Bulgaria, Romania has accomplished a major achievement in the healthcare sector. “Dăruiește Viață” (which translates as “Donate Life”) Pediatric Oncology and Radiotherapy Hospital is a facility built through donations from Romanian citizens, foreigners, and businesses. It was initiated by Carmen Uscatu and Oana Gheorghiu, the founders of an association with the same name.

Carmen Uscatu and Oana Gheorghiu, the founders of “Dăruiește viață”
Source: Donate Life / Credit: Adrian Vizireanu

After 34 years since the fall of communism in Romania, a period in which no hospital for children has been built, they managed to create more than just a hospital dedicated to children. They have built a remarkable community made up of donors and medical staff who contribute to better care that has naturally led to an increasing survival rate among those suffering from severe illnesses.

The two founders went through a long process that required time, patience, and a lot of effort, initially starting with the idea of renovating the pediatric oncology department of the Marie Curie Hospital in Bucharest, and began raising funds as early as 2015.

Over time, Oana and Carmen became increasingly excited about this idea, and more and more people began to donate. As a result, construction of the new hospital started in 2018.

The architect they were working with, Raluca Șoaita, suggested they build a new hospital from scratch that would bring innovation in patient care through the modernization of medical equipment and provide a space where both the children and their parents would feel safe, making their hospital stay as pleasant as possible.

The process was a long and drawn-out one, which came with many challenges and obstacles for the coordinators of this project. One of the biggest challenges was obtaining the construction permits and the 22 approvals needed to advance the project, which took six months.

“One of the biggest challenges was building a modern hospital that meets the standards of the century we live in, while having to adhere to outdated legislation from the last century, specifically from the 1970s,” says Oana Gheorghiu, co-founder of the “Dăruiește Viață” Association.

A modern hospital is not just a new building

But the construction of a hospital in itself is not enough. Both countries also need to adopt modern medical standards in children’s medical treatment.

“In Bulgaria, for the same condition, a person can receive radically different advice, a radically different type of care, depending on the ideas of the medical specialist or the medical team to whom they find themselves. In today’s world, this is absolutely unacceptable,” says Nadezhda Tsekulova.

Oana and Carmen have managed to establish partnerships with some of the largest pediatric oncology hospitals in Europe and the United States, such as the Princess Maxima Center in Utrecht (Netherlands) and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis (USA). Such partnerships have contributed considerably in terms of the professional training of medical personnel, injecting innovation into the treatment methods for patients, and informing Romanian doctors to help reach the modern standards of medicine already existing in Western countries.

There have been discussions with doctors who were accustomed to a different system, making it difficult for them to understand the new way of doing things in a hospital with modern infrastructure and advanced technology, as seen in the West.

“Since it wasn’t easy to get them out of their comfort zone, we had to engage in endless negotiations, I could say. I think we spent more than half a year discussing various aspects with the doctors, which required a major effort,” said Oana Gheorghiu.

The lack of children’s hospital beds, a chronic disease for Bulgaria 

Another problem is the insufficient number of beds for children in Bulgarian hospitals. According to a report made in December 2023 addressing the needs of a future Children’s Hospital in Sofia, the capital, there were 3,935 available children’s beds in the whole country, from which 1,450 were neonatal and 2,485 were pediatric. But only 215 of them were indicated for pediatric care in individual specialties (treatment of cancer, broken limbs, surgery, etc.), and they were located mainly in the hospitals of large cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Pleven.

In Romania, according to the Financial Resource Allocation for Child Health in the Romanian Healthcare System report and the National Institute of Health Insurance Houses (NHIH), in 2018–2019 there were 18,380 pediatric beds. In 2020, however, the number decreased to 17,232.

This means that smaller towns or villages in Bulgaria have very few to no beds and citizens have to travel to the big cities to seek help. Even then, it’s not guaranteed that there is going to be an available bed.

Moreover, even if they build this hospital, there may not be enough pediatricians and nurses.

“Bulgaria lacks 512 needed pediatricians, in total. In the region of Sofia where the National Children’s Hospital would be, the deficit is 123. The bigger problem is the lack of nurses, because in Bulgaria for several decades there has not been a purposeful training of nurses who work with children, the so-called pediatric nurses. At the same time, working with children requires specific skills, as it is physically and mentally more difficult,” says Nadezhda Tsekulova.

“Not that long ago, the children’s ward in the National Cardiology Hospital (NCH) was closed because there were no nurses to look after the children,” said Boris Tablov.

One of the biggest problems is the financing of the hospital. Many children stay in hospital for conditions that can be cured at home, which leads to unnecessary costs.

“In modern medicine, in fact, only about 10% of conditions in children require children to go to the hospital to be treated. Children very often lie in hospitals for things that can be treated without going to the hospital. This should change in order for the National Children’s Hospital to be adequately funded,” said Nadezhda Tsekulova.

She thinks that Bulgarian citizens should be active, rather than getting tired of observing the process and forgetting to keep asking questions. No one should tell them that this is Bulgaria, and it can’t be like that here in order to support the building of the National Children’s Hospital.

An effective combination of individual and corporate fundraising in Romania

Carmen Uscatu, co-founder of the “Dăruiește Viață” Association, shares their strategy: “On the fundraising side, we primarily targeted companies because, in Romania, there is a tax incentive that allows them to donate from their profit tax. This is a well-known but not widely used incentive. At the same time, we also reached out to individual donors, and the SMS campaign was of great help because, in Romania, there is a recurring SMS option, where a person who donates once can continue to donate monthly, with the same amount being deducted each month. Through this campaign, we managed to raise over 20 million euros, considering that the hospital cost 53 million euros.”

“People like Paula Herlo, Alex Dima (famous journalists in Romania), and Tudor Chirilă (a well-known actor and musician in Romania) have been of great help, both through their public image and as ambassadors of the association, supporting the promotion of the initiative in the news and at various events where they make appearances,” Carmen says.

After this entire process that lasted 6 long years, the hospital opened its doors for patients in 2024.

Looking at the stars: Inside Romania’s brand-new children’s hospital

One of the main specialties of the “Dăruiește Viață” Hospital is cancer treatment, a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. The new building is completely different from the hospitals in Romania that were built during the communist period of the 20th century and manages to enchant all those who pass its threshold, thanks to a unique design that makes you forget that you are in a hospital.

The involvement of doctors and patients was key in this process. Through discussions with them together with the two founders and the architect, Raluca Șoaita, great benefits were added because they discovered the needs of each ward that they built in the new hospital, both in terms of the layout of the space, as well as the purchase of medical equipment.

The entrance is through the old building with which it was connected, followed by a reception area where patients are greeted, and on the ground floor you can find the doctors’ offices, and recreation rooms that are differentiated by the color of the doors. Those belonging to the rooms dedicated to medical staff are gray, and those to the recreation rooms are yellow to cheer up the patients suffering from the disease.

Also on the ground floor is a waiting room called the Atrium, whose design is animated by a giraffe that delights the little ones. The architect Raluca Șoaita thought of the hospital as a tree of life, which is why each floor of the building has a representative animal depending on the level at which it survives in nature. We can also find a panel lit with colored LEDs on the ground floor in the elevator area, which is represented by a turtle.

An innovative thought in the design of the space was the use of natural materials that do not endanger the health of the patients, offering a safe space from this point of view.

The Atrium
Photos by: Francesca Istrate     

The hallway

Moreover, the hospital is unique compared to others, standing out through the emphasis that the founders and their entire team have placed on the needs of young patients and their parents. The patient rooms are designed for one or two patients accompanied by a parent each and are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, private bathrooms, and ample storage space. One aspect not commonly found in state hospitals in Romania is that these rooms come with special beds for parents, and the entertainment area was also a priority during the construction planning, because emotional well-being contributes to a child’s health progress.

The operating room

A room for patients

A bathroom

This area is located on the third floor of the building, where you can find a cinema, a gym, a playroom filled with cushions—which is a favorite among children, Dionisia (a member of the “Dăruiește Viață” team) informed me—and an indoor garden that provides children with the opportunity to socialize and connect with a small part of nature, as the plants from the wall are natural.

The indoor garden 

The cinema 

The lobby

The playroom filled with cushions

Several rooms in the severe isolation area have a view of this garden, and despite their isolation, patients there can communicate with those in the garden through a special phone, as communication is another beneficial aspect that the team has prioritized. Additionally, the children’s privacy is respected: the window separating them can be made opaque to prevent them from seeing each other.

An isolation room

Various activities are frequently organized in all these areas, and patients and visitors can listen to the live broadcasts from the radio studios located on each floor through the speakers installed in every room. In the evening, children can observe the stars from the rooftop using the astronomical observatory.

A radio studio

The astronomical observatory

This story is part of the Beyond Borders project, organized by the Association of European Journalists in Bulgaria in partnership with Bucharest-based Romanian publication Gen Revista. The initiative is 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 Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.