SMART UA
Scaling the successful social inclusion and integration of Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia through an innovative multi-stakeholder cooperation
What SMART UA is
The SMART UA project, funded by the European Social Fund Plus and Social Innovation, supports Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Coordinated by JRS Europe with 11 partners, it fosters collaboration among authorities, NGOs, and service providers to improve access to housing and jobs through skills recognition, capacity building, and innovative pilot initiatives.
The SMART UA project brings together a diverse consortium of organizations, coordinated by JRS Europe. Core partners include JRS Hungary, JRS Romania, Lutheran Diaconia, Szociometrum, LifeStarter, the Family Help Center, and the Association of Schools of Social Work in Romania. They are joined by associated partners such as Trnava University, the City of Trnava, and Personal Service, who contribute research, local expertise, and labour market connections. Based across Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, these partners combine social, academic, and community strengths to support refugee integration. Explore each partner’s page to discover national reports, project news, good practices, and other resources developed throughout the SMART UA project.
From evidence to action
SMART UA combined research, cooperation and practical support to respond to barriers in housing and employment for Ukrainian refugees. Explore the four areas of the project and the research, activities, tools and lessons developed along the way.
Mariia’s story
From displacement to new opportunities in Romania
After leaving Ukraine with her family in 2022, Mariia came to Romania, where she had to adapt to a new country, school and language. Today, she studies International Relations at university and teaches English to children in Bucharest.
Through SMART UA, Mariia took part in self-employment, IT and soft-skills courses. Alongside developing practical skills, she says the project helped her gain confidence, meet new people and discover new opportunities for her future.
“The most important thing I got from the project was confidence. I learned that new skills can give us new opportunities.” Mariia said.
ADVOCACY REPORT
The new SMART UA Advocacy Report brings together evidence and experience from Hungary, Romania and Slovakia to examine the barriers Ukrainian refugees face in accessing stable housing and sustainable employment.
Drawing on research, stakeholder engagement and project implementation, the report highlights the close connection between housing and employment, the value of personalised support and the importance of stronger cooperation between public authorities, civil society, employers and other actors. It concludes with policy recommendations for EU institutions, national and local authorities, and civil society organisations.
Contact person
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.