Briefing note
It analyses the legal and rights-based implications for refugees, displaced persons from Ukraine, stateless individuals, children, and long-term residents, and outlines priority advocacy actions to ensure inclusive access to citizenship and prevent exclusion. Specifically, it recommends:
- Introducing flexibility in residence and income requirements, including counting periods spent under Temporary Protection toward naturalisation where effective residence can be demonstrated.
- Reducing barriers created by mandatory Romanian language and Constitution tests through exemptions, alternative assessments, and free or affordable preparatory courses.
- Preventing statelessness among children by ensuring automatic citizenship for children who would otherwise be stateless, regardless of parents' legal status.
- Maintaining accessible and inclusive application procedures, including representation by legal proxies and reduced fees for vulnerable groups.
