SMART UA final event: creating pathways to inclusion

On 15 September, JRS Europe and the partners of the SMART UA project gathered in Brussels for the final event, “Creating pathways to inclusion: housing and employment for Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.”

With more than 100 people taking part in Brussels and online, the event brought together findings, experiences and practical approaches from across SMART UA, focusing on two key dimensions of long term inclusion: access to housing and employment.

The first part of the event focused on research carried out in Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, highlighting barriers, labour market gaps and promising practices identified throughout the project. This was followed by contributions from partners working directly with Ukrainian refugees, showing how evidence from the project was translated into practical support and more targeted responses.

A central moment of the event was the testimony of Mariia Shevchenko, a Ukrainian refugee and SMART UA participant living in Romania, who shared her personal experience with participants.

“I remember the night when the war started. I woke up because it was very loud. […] A Russian rocket hit the airport. Some people lost their homes because Russian rockets destroyed them. […] I found out about the JRS and Smart UA project and decided to join it because I wanted to learn new things. […] the most important thing I got from the project was confidence. I learned that new skills can give us new opportunities. […] In the future, I want to help young people and Ukrainian families who are starting a new life in another country. […] I also think it is important to give Ukrainian people opportunities to study, work, and learn new skills.”

Her testimony brought a human perspective to the discussions, reminding participants that behind research findings and project indicators are people rebuilding their lives and navigating challenges linked to housing, employment, language and integration.

The event also addressed the responsible use of personal data to better understand needs and provide individualised support, as well as the importance of advocacy for improved access to fair housing and labour markets. Participants then took part in a group reflection on next steps and personal commitments.

As SMART UA approaches its conclusion, the final event offered an opportunity not only to look back at the work carried out, but also to consider how its research, practical experience and multi stakeholder cooperation can continue to inform future responses for Ukrainian refugees.

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.