Multiculturalism and diaspora relations have long been important issues but in the context of Brexit and a raging world pandemic there are growing concerns that issues facing some newly emerging economic Diasporas in the UK may be falling off the political radar. This is now particularly true in the case of the Romanian diaspora in the UK. This Foreign Policy Centre event will ask and try to answer a number of important questions: What is the impact of Romanian diaspora communities in the UK? How can diaspora initiatives strategically mediate bilateral relations between two countries? What is the relevance of applied diaspora research to policy and decision-making?

This event will launch a new FPC report, part of a pioneering research initiative – Understanding the Romanian Diaspora. This report is the first of its kind: mapping the Romanian diaspora in the UK, particularly how diaspora associations contribute to, interact with and sometimes challenge both host and home country institutions, whilst also measuring the impact of diaspora initiatives overall. This analysis aims to improve public understanding about the issues faced by the Romanian diaspora, while providing ideas to help inform and inspire policy and decision-making for what has become a strategic constituency for both Romania and the UK. It also aims to encourage a more effective and sustained cooperation between Romanian diaspora organisations, strategically maximising their impact and relevance, while promoting best practice to all institutions and organisations. The new report builds on the findings of previous FPC briefings: Understanding the Romanian Diaspora, Understanding the Romanian Diaspora: A Strategically Important Network and Understanding the Romanian Diaspora: Diaspora mobilisation during COVID-19.

Listen to an audio recording of the event below and you can watch the video of the event here.