A culture of belonging: School integration of Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered mass displacement across Europe, placing enormous pressure on education systems to support children affected by conflict. Bulgaria, one of the most affected EU countries, became an important case study in how schools can respond. This article draws on a Peer Learning Activity (PLA) conducted in Varna, Bulgaria, in April 2025, as part of the SIRIUS 3.0 project led by the SIRIUS network. Through direct observation, focus group interviews and structured dialogue at two local schools and two support organisations, the study examines what effective refugee integration in education looks like in practice. The findings show that successful integration rests on a culture of welcome in which children’s sense of safety and belonging comes before academic performance. Educational mediators, family involvement and prior experience with diverse student populations emerge as key enabling factors. At the same time, the research identifies serious challenges: dependence on exceptional individuals, lack of documentation, underfunding of smaller schools, limited integration outside school hours, and growing strain on teachers.