The British media is awash with comment upon the free movement of Romanian and Bulgarian nationals. The conclusion, supported by some reactionary politicians, is that economic migration is a bad thing. Nigel Farage would prefer to admit Syrian refugees over Romanians. This ‘debate’ is a sorry affair, ignorance mixed with prejudice, whilst the real issues affecting Britain are brushed over.

So why should I be any more qualified to comment? My involvement with Romania goes back twenty-four years. I lived there for eight years, becoming a moderately fluent Romanian speaker. I have read around the history and culture of Romania, and I have met Romanians from politicians to peasants. As manager of a tourist business, I welcomed people from fifty nations to Romania. And beyond pure academic knowledge and a tourist’s viewpoint, I have discovered just how hard it can be to run a business and make a decent living in Romania.

But let’s wind the clock back to 1989, to the events that thrust Romania in the British consciousness. Some of us visited Romania to provide ‘aid’, and many more generously donated money. We travelled across Europe in vehicles laden with food, clothes and consumer goods, creating the impression that we came from a land of plenty. Those of us who brought Romanians to Britain promptly took our guests to visit massive supermarkets, smiling at their wide eyes and tears. And now we’re surprised that Romanians want to live and work in Britain?

Living in a rural community in Romania, I soon realised that my neighbours were far too busy trying to make a living to pay much attention to their leaders. After centuries of being invaded and dominated, Romanians have learned to make the best of whatever happens. The concept that citizens can change the course of their nation, and the growth of a system that admitted the possibility, took centu