Maria and Oleg now live in Asse with their two daughters. Has their love affair with Belgium continued? ‘We still think Belgium is a magnificent country thanks to its beautiful architecture and easy-going attitude. It took some getting used to, having to stand on our own two feet in a foreign country. The fact that my Moldovan master’s degree in economics was not recognised came as something as a shock, but I am not someone who gives up easily. I started an intensive Dutch language course and trained to become an administrative assistant. I am also working as a volunteer in the integration department of the Public Social Welfare Centre in Asse. A key goal in life is to provide a better future for our daughters.’