Who we are, why we exist, and the communities and areas we work with.
East to West European Association was founded by Mihaela Pruteanu and Cristina Tutu to build a bridge between Eastern European communities settling in the UK and the wider society around them. We started with a simple belief: that moving to a new country is easier — and richer — with a community behind you.
Today we're a registered non-profit organisation, working to turn that belief into practical support, real connections, and a stronger cultural bridge between East and West.
Too often, settling into a new country and staying connected to where you're from feel like a trade-off. We don't think they should be. Our work sits at that intersection — helping people build a life in the UK while keeping the traditions, language and identity that make them who they are.
Built by community, for community
“To empower Eastern European communities in the UK by promoting inclusion, education, cultural understanding and access to opportunities, while building stronger connections between Eastern and Western European communities.”
Our mission
We're working towards a future where Eastern European communities in the UK are connected, confident and celebrated as part of local life, with lasting, active ties between Eastern and Western Europe.
Everything starts with what our communities tell us they need.
Open to all Eastern European communities, and welcoming to everyone we work alongside.
Doing what we say, and being straightforward about what we can and can't do.
Building genuine relationships — between people, and between East and West.
We welcome and support individuals and families from across Eastern Europe — including Romanian, Polish, Bulgarian and Ukrainian communities, among others — alongside anyone with a connection to the region.
We're based in Luton and currently focus our work across Bedfordshire and the surrounding area. As the Association grows, we intend to extend our reach further across the UK.
East to West European Association Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales. That means we have no shareholders and no owners — any surplus stays in the organisation and is put back into the people and programmes we exist to support.
More volunteers, project coordinators and team members will join this page as we grow.
Mihaela leads the overall development and direction of East to West European Association. She is passionate about supporting Eastern European communities across the UK, promoting integration and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families. Her role focuses on developing partnerships, overseeing community initiatives and ensuring the Association continues to grow as an inclusive and trusted organisation.
Cristina plays a key role in developing the Association's long-term vision, community projects and strategic partnerships. She is committed to bringing communities together through cultural initiatives, educational opportunities, events and community engagement, helping to strengthen connections and understanding between Eastern and Western European communities.