At a forum in Bucharest dedicated to Ukraine’s recovery, experts and officials argued that policy on people cannot be reduced to a single slogan about return. Millions of Ukrainians now live abroad as refugees or members of the long established diaspora. For the reconstruction effort to succeed, Ukraine needs a dual track strategy that supports voluntary return where it is realistic and, at the same time, builds structured cooperation with those who will stay abroad longer.
Speakers stressed that people are the main scarce resource in the recovery decade. Without engineers, doctors, teachers and skilled workers, even the best investment plans will stall. That is why migration policy, labour market measures and diaspora outreach should be seen as part of economic policy, not only humanitarian work.
Who is likely to return and when
According to the discussion, the decision to return depends on security, schools, housing and the perceived economic horizon. Families with children who are already integrated into European education systems may take a slower route back, while young professionals can be more mobile.
Participants underlined that the state should focus on removing practical barriers for those who want to return: recognition of qualifications obtained abroad, simplified procedures for bringing back savings and small capital, and clear information on regional opportunities in Ukraine.
How to work with those who stay abroad
The second track of the strategy is to treat Ukrainians abroad as long term partners, not lost citizens. This includes:
- professional networks that connect Ukrainian specialists abroad with companies, universities and municipalities in Ukraine;
- diaspora investment vehicles that allow people to co finance specific projects in cities and communities they know;
- programmes for temporary or project based return, where experts spend part of the year working in Ukraine;
- support for Ukrainian schools, cultural centres and business associations abroad that maintain ties to the country.
Forum participants pointed out that many host countries are also interested in structured cooperation, because Ukrainian refugees fill labour shortages and contribute to local economies.
Political communication and realistic expectations
Discussants warned against promises that “everyone will return soon”. Unmet expectations can create frustration and distrust. Instead, the state should communicate honestly: some people will build their lives in the EU or elsewhere, and that is acceptable as long as they remain connected to Ukraine and see opportunities to contribute to its development.
A realistic dual track strategy can stabilise public finances and social systems, reduce brain drain and create new channels for investment and knowledge transfer. For investors, it offers a more predictable picture of the future labour market and consumer base in Ukraine’s regions.
