Общество

First Data from Uspelite.bg’s Survey Among Ukrainian Refugees in Bulgaria

In the period December 2024 – January 2025, Uspelite.bg conducted a new wave of surveys among Ukrainian citizens who sought refuge in Bulgaria. The initiative is part of the volunteer project under the European Solidarity Corps program (project No. 2023-1-BG01-ESC51-VTJ-000144679), implemented within the European Union’s solidarity and inclusion program, with Uspelite.bg as a partner. The goal is to gather an accurate picture of the lives, challenges, and needs of Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria.

The surveys are completed anonymously and in four languages – Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, and English – facilitating participation and ensuring full confidentiality.

Key observations for the period December 2024 – January 2025:

Demographic Profile:

Women constitute the majority of respondents, aligning with European Commission statistics indicating that over 65% of Ukrainian displaced persons in the EU are women and children [Source: European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs, 2023].

Diverse age profile – ranging from young individuals at the start of their careers to those of retirement age.

Challenges highlighted in open-ended responses:

• Housing instability – temporary accommodations, often shared with other families;
• Lack of structured information regarding access to healthcare, educational, and social services;
• Language barrier, particularly in smaller settlements where organized Bulgarian language courses are unavailable;
• Difficulties in recognizing professional qualifications, especially in fields like healthcare and education.

These observations correspond with analyses from the EUAA (European Union Agency for Asylum), which identify language and access to stable housing as primary obstacles to the integration of Ukrainian refugees in member states [Source: EUAA Annual Report, 2023].

Field Volunteers: Building Trust through Shared Experience

The surveys are conducted by our Ukrainian volunteers who underwent the adaptation process in Bulgaria before the war. This fosters trust between respondents and interviewers, leading to more candid responses – especially on questions related to psycho-emotional state and future expectations.

What’s Next?

The collected information is being analyzed and will be periodically summarized, with results shared publicly and with competent institutions to contribute to a more adequate and informed integration policy. The open-ended responses depict a strong will for integration, combined with specific needs requiring better coordination between the state, municipalities, and civil structures.