Enhancing Housing Access for Ukrainian Refugees in Slovakia: Innovative Approaches
Within the framework of the SMART UA project, two national research reports were developed to examine access to housing for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, focusing on both institutional responses and market dynamics.
Since the large-scale influx of refugees in 2022, the accommodation system in Slovakia has relied on a combination of state-secured housing (such as facilities operated by municipalities, self-governing regions, and government institutions) and private accommodation (provided by individuals or commercial entities). The state has supported this system through financial contributions to accommodation providers. Over time, both the structure of the system and the level of support have evolved, increasingly targeting assistance towards vulnerable groups.
In the initial phase, the following accommodation options were primarily available:
- Private flats and houses: Housing provided by individual hosts.
- Commercial accommodation facilities: Hotels, guesthouses, and hostels offering lodging, often supported by state subsidies.
- State-secured accommodation: Facilities managed by municipalities, regional authorities (VÚC), and state institutions (such as gyms, dormitories, and asylum centres), mainly used for emergency or short-term stays and for particularly vulnerable groups.
- Accommodation through NGOs and church organizations.
The Mapping Report provides an overview of the actors involved in supporting access to housing, including a wide network of public authorities, charitable organizations, and NGOs crucial for providing emergency and long-term housing assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. The mapping highlights that while a range of actors are engaged in housing-related support, it is crucial for providing emergency and long-term housing assistance.
The research highlights several structural barriers, including the limited supply of affordable rental housing, complex administrative procedures, and instances of discriminatory practices. At the same time, it documents promising practices implemented by local authorities, NGOs, and civil society organisations that support refugees in accessing and maintaining stable housing. These include inclusive housing models, support schemes for landlords, and targeted financial assistance programs.
Taken together, the two reports provide an evidence-based overview of refugee housing conditions and needs. They emphasise the importance of coordinated, community-based, and person-centered approaches to housing support, reinforced by stronger institutional cooperation and policy-level interventions.
By generating robust evidence and highlighting both challenges and good practices, these reports contribute to the overall objectives of SMART UA, supporting the development of more effective and sustainable housing responses for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
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.