Vietnamese in Europe: Ten years, one common home
WVR - No matter where they live, study, or work, Vietnamese people always carry with them a love for their homeland, their mother tongue, and the traditional cultural values of their nation. Amidst life abroad, a family meal, a Tet reunion, a homeland song, or simply the beloved Vietnamese language is enough to evoke deep feelings for their roots.
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From these sentiments, along with the need to connect, share, and support each other in life, the idea of building a common home for the Vietnamese community in Europe gradually took shape and became a reality.
Unity, sharing the spirit of compatriots
On October 29, 2016, in the capital city of Prague, Czech, over 150 delegates from 15 countries laid the foundation for the establishment of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe. It was a memorable milestone, marking a new journey in connecting associations and the Vietnamese community across the continent.
As someone fortunate enough to participate from the early days of its establishment, I still remember the spirit of solidarity, enthusiasm, and trust of the delegates back then. We shared a simple yet meaningful desire: to build an organization that truly connects associations, serves as a spiritual support for compatriots, where everyone can share, help each other, preserve the national cultural identity, and look towards the homeland.
Ten years have passed. From its initial steps, the Union has gradually grown, expanding its connection with the Vietnamese community in 23 European countries. This is not only a development in scale but, more importantly, a bond of trust and companionship among associations and a large number of compatriots across the continent.
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| Mr. Hoang Dinh Thang receiving the First-class Labor Order from the President, October 11, 2024. |
Looking back on that journey, what we cherish most is not only the activities organized but also the spirit of mutual support and the spirit of compatriotism expressed through specific, practical actions.
Whenever the homeland faces natural disasters or hardships, Vietnamese compatriots in Europe unite in support. From the floods in Central Vietnam in 2016, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, Typhoon Yagi in 2024 to the natural disasters in 2025, associations and compatriots actively contributed funds, equipment, and medical supplies; built Great Solidarity houses, awarded scholarships, sponsored orphans, and helped families in difficult circumstances.
Every contribution, big or small, contains the sincere affection of those far from home. Geographical distance cannot diminish the sense of compatriotism and responsibility towards the homeland.
Particularly in 2022, when the conflict in Ukraine erupted, thousands of Vietnamese had to leave their homes to seek safer places. In such difficult circumstances, associations and the Vietnamese community in many European countries quickly coordinated, providing shelter, transportation, and essential needs for evacuated compatriots.
Those days left many emotional memories and further highlighted the significance of the word “compatriots”. When difficulties arise, human kindness, sharing, and solidarity become the most valuable support.
Besides humanitarian and charitable activities, the Union also serves as a bridge to promote exchanges and cooperation among associations and the Vietnamese community in Czech, Germany, France, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and many other countries.
It is encouraging that during the development process, many pan-European organizations of women, youth, students, businesses, intellectuals, and experts have been established, creating forums for generations and fields to meet, share experiences, leverage strengths, and support each other's development.
This diversity does not distance us but rather enriches and strengthens the common home of the Vietnamese community in Europe.
One of the tasks that the Union and its member organizations always focus on is preserving the Vietnamese language, national cultural identity, and passing on the beautiful values of the homeland to future generations.
From Vietnamese language classes, cultural and artistic programs, Ao Dai festivals to traditional folk songs like Quan Ho, Cheo, Ca Tru, Hat Xoan, and Hat Vi Dam performed in the heart of Europe, all contribute to nurturing the love for the homeland, helping young generations born and raised abroad understand their roots, while introducing the beauty of Vietnamese culture to international friends.
We always believe that integrating well into the host society and preserving national identity are not opposing factors but rather complementary elements. A community that respects its roots while respecting the laws, culture, and customs of the host country will have a solid foundation for long-term development.
It is truly a source of pride that more and more Vietnamese people are affirming their positions in the economic, cultural, scientific, and social life in European countries. With diligence, creativity, solidarity, and a sense of integration, the Vietnamese community is gradually elevating its status, contributing positively to the development of host countries, while serving as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and European nations.
Reflecting on ten years of building and development, we understand that the achievements do not belong to any individual or organization alone. They are the result of collective efforts, unity, and the dedication, time, and energy that generations of association officials and numerous compatriots have devoted to the community.
On this meaningful anniversary, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the generations of leaders, members of the Executive Committee, Standing Committee, and Inspection Committee through various terms; leaders of member associations, community officials who have silently contributed to the development of the Union.
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| This valuable companionship has created the vitality and prestige of the Union throughout its journey. |
We also thank the entrepreneurs, benefactors, volunteers, and numerous Vietnamese compatriots in Europe who have always enthusiastically supported, contributed their efforts, intellect, and resources to common activities. This valuable companionship has created the vitality and prestige of the Union throughout its journey.
The Union also appreciates and is grateful for the attention, guidance, encouragement, and support of the Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Vietnamese Embassy in Czech, and Vietnamese Representative Missions in European countries.
In particular, we express our deep gratitude to the Vietnamese Embassy in Czech, which witnessed the birth and accompanied many important activities of the Union; we sincerely thank Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam and the embassy staff for always caring for and supporting the community, vigorously promoting the opening of direct flights, contributing to strengthening and developing the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Czech.
Preserving identity, nurturing the community's future
Ten years is a journey to be cherished, but it is only the beginning of building a united, strong, and sustainably developing Vietnamese community in Europe.
The 3rd Congress of Delegates, term 2026–2031, is an opportunity for us to review the achievements, frankly assess the limitations, draw lessons, and determine the direction for the next development phase.
In the new journey, the Union needs to continue strengthening solidarity, expanding connections among associations, innovating content and methods of operation in a practical, effective manner, truly close to and meeting the legitimate needs and aspirations of compatriots.
Particularly, more attention should be given to the younger generation, who will continue and determine the future of the community. How to ensure that children born and raised in Europe still love Vietnamese, understand the history, culture of the nation, take pride in their roots, and have a sense of attachment to the community is not only the responsibility of each family but also a long-term task of associations.
At the same time, it is necessary to better leverage the potential, intellect, and resources of the intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs, and young Vietnamese in Europe; strengthen connections, cooperation, and create conditions for compatriots to contribute practically to the development of host countries as well as the construction and development of the homeland.
This year, the 3rd Congress of Delegates and the 10th Anniversary of the Union's establishment are organized along with the National Great Unity Day. The convergence of these meaningful events reminds us of the enduring value of the spirit of solidarity in the Vietnamese national tradition.
For Vietnamese living far from the homeland, great unity is not something distant. It is sharing in adversity, helping each other in the early days of settling, preserving the Vietnamese language, customs, and culture; it is the respect and attachment among people who, despite differences in hometown, profession, generation, or belief, share a common Vietnamese origin.
The festival is also an occasion to honor and appreciate the collectives and individuals who have contributed significantly to the community; simultaneously, it ignites pride, a sense of responsibility, and the aspiration to build an increasingly developed Vietnamese community.
Ten years – a journey filled with memories, efforts, and camaraderie. Some have been with us from the beginning, some have recently joined, some contributions are recognized, and many silent deeds. All are precious, as each person, in their own way, has contributed a brick to build the common home today.
I believe that with the tradition of solidarity, a sense of responsibility, and love for the homeland, the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe will continue to develop, deserving to be a place of convergence, connecting associations and the Vietnamese community across the continent.
This common home is not only built on the achievements of the past ten years but also preserved by the faith, affection, and responsibility of each of us in the coming years. After all, the common home is truly sustainable when everyone feels they belong there, jointly nurturing, preserving, and passing it on to future generations.
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| The Miss Ao Dai Pageant has become an annual and meaningful event for the Vietnamese community in Europe. |
| Proud that Prague was chosen to host the National Great Unity Day abroad Living far from home, there are times when just hearing a Vietnamese sentence in a crowded street, seeing an Ao Dai at a festival, or spotting the red flag with a yellow star abroad... my heart stirs with memories of the homeland. I have lived many years in Czech. This place has gradually become a second home, but deep down, I am always a Vietnamese, still remembering the affectionate call of family, the reunion meals, the Tet holiday back home, and always longing to connect with the Vietnamese community around me. From this affection, the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe has become a common home for compatriots across the continent. I still remember the milestone in 2016 when the Union was established in Prague. At that time, it was a desire to connect the community. Today, after a long journey, that desire has become a bond connecting Vietnamese in many European countries. What I cherish most is not just the growth of an organization, but the human connections nurtured through each activity. Whenever the homeland faces natural disasters or storms, compatriots in Europe unite in support. Some contribute labor, some contribute resources; there are silent hearts sending small gifts, and there are businesses and associations joining hands for large programs. All meet in a simple sentiment: when the homeland faces difficulties, Vietnamese, no matter where they are, cannot stand aside. And when difficulties arise within the Vietnamese community in Europe, we also feel more clearly the meaning of the word solidarity. During the pandemic years, natural disasters, or when thousands of compatriots had to leave Ukraine to find safety, associations and the Vietnamese community quickly connected, providing shelter, transportation, essentials, and moral support. In those moments, the distance between countries seemed to disappear. Only Vietnamese holding hands remained. The Union also helps us preserve something extremely valuable: Vietnamese identity. In the heart of Europe, Vietnamese language classes are still maintained. Cultural festivals, artistic programs, activities for women, youth, students, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs are still organized. On this journey, our community always appreciates the attention, companionship, and support of the Vietnamese Embassy in Czech, as well as Vietnamese Representative Missions in Europe. The embassy is not only the representative agency of the country but, in the hearts of many expatriates, also a familiar address to turn to whenever guidance, support, or protection is needed. In major community activities, there is always the attention and companionship of the embassy. When compatriots face difficulties, when issues arise affecting life, work, or legitimate rights, diplomatic officials listen, connect with local authorities, and support within their responsibilities. Some assistance is demonstrated through specific programs. But there are also silent contributions, such as late-night phone calls, working days without regard to time, and efforts to protect citizens in urgent situations. This dedication has helped compatriots feel more secure, confident in working, studying, and building a life in their second homeland. A special joy and pride for me is that the National Great Unity Day will be held for the first time in Europe, and Prague is honored to be chosen as the venue for this meaningful event. When I learned that the festival would be held here, I was truly moved. In the heart of Europe, Vietnamese compatriots from many countries will gather, meet, and share the spirit of compatriots under the common home of great unity. I imagine that on that festival day, in the ancient and peaceful city of Prague, the beloved Vietnamese language will resound; there will be Ao Dai, the beauty of national culture, and warm handshakes from compatriots from across Europe. Many may have never met, come from different countries, and have different career paths, but when they gather at the National Great Unity Day, all share one sacred name: Vietnamese. The choice of Prague to host the festival for the first time in Europe also reflects the maturity, solidarity, and prestige of the Vietnamese community in Czech. I believe that the festival will become a beautiful milestone, contributing to connecting generations, associations, and the Vietnamese community across Europe. It will also be an opportunity for local friends to better understand a united, compassionate, rich in identity Vietnamese community, always responsible to the society where they live and always looking towards the homeland. I hope that when the festival takes place, everyone coming to Prague will not only attend an event but also truly feel the warmth of the homeland, the strength of compatriotism, and the spirit of national great unity. Ta Thi Thuy Ngan, expatriate born in 1991 |
