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2026-01-20

RIF4UA – Roundtable Discussion and Workshop on the Labour Market Integration of Ukrainian Refugees

We participated in this conference, where researchers, civil society organisations and practitioners exchanged insights on the current situation of Ukrainian refugees in Hungary. On behalf of HETFA Research Institute, our colleague Renata Anna Jaksa took part in the event as an invited speaker and presented the SIMPLE project to the participants, outlining its approach, core logic and emerging lessons. The key findings strongly resonated with our own work. The research results and field-based experiences discussed during the roundtable confirmed that labour market integration cannot be addressed in isolation. Persistent challenges include: language barriers, housing insecurity and discrimination, non-recognition of qualifications, and significant psychosocial burdens, particularly affecting women, people with caregiving responsibilities and the 50+ age group. These factors reinforce each other, while insufficient coordination between support systems remains a structural issue. This is exactly where the SIMPLE project’s approach comes in. SIMPLE does not focus on single, isolated interventions. Instead, it works with: complex, modular employability and learning models, tailored mentoring and entrepreneurship-development elements, and low-threshold, flexible and transferable solutions that can be adapted to different national and local contexts. One of the strongest messages of the RIF4UA event was that what is needed is not more fragmented programmes, but better coordinated, evidence-based interventions. This fully aligns with the SIMPLE approach, which: builds on insights from more than 50 European good practices, applies a shared evaluation framework based on the Theory of Change, and integrates policy learning and transferability already at the pilot stage. Initiatives like RIF4UA reaffirm that sustainable labour market integration can only be achieved through partnerships, shared learning and systemic thinking. For SIMPLE, these exchanges are not only confirmations of direction, but also an important compass for future work. Photo credit: Terre des Hommes, taken during the event.

2026-01-08

SIMPLE Project Raises Awareness at Key Local Events in Málaga

The SIMPLE project continues to strengthen its visibility and outreach through active participation in relevant local events aimed at promoting innovation, inclusion, and social engagement. As part of its dissemination activities, the project was presented at two major events held in Málaga (Spain), reaching diverse audiences and reinforcing its commitment to social impact. Opportunity Morning 2025 The SIMPLE project was showcased on October 30th at Opportunity Morning 2025, an event hosted at Mangas Verdes and organised by Asociación Arrabal-AID, which brought together around 800 young people interested in new technologies, artificial intelligence, and dual vocational training. During the event, IT Solutions For All, partner organisation of the SIMPLE project, hosted an information stand where attendees were introduced to the organisation’s mission and activities. Visitors to the stand received detailed information about the SIMPLE project, its objectives, and its role in social innovation. The stand served as a direct point of contact with young participants, encouraging dialogue and raising awareness of the opportunities offered by the project. XXI Málaga Voluntaria Awards Gala The SIMPLE project was also promoted on December 4th, 2025, at the XXI Málaga Voluntaria Awards Gala, an event organised by Málaga City Council to recognise and celebrate volunteering initiatives across the city. Representatives of the project attended the gala and distributed informational leaflets about SIMPLE among attendees. This activity allowed the project to reach a broad audience of institutional representatives, volunteers, and organisations involved in social action, further strengthening its visibility within the local volunteering and social innovation ecosystem. Through its participation in these two events, the SIMPLE project continues to expand its dissemination efforts, engage with key stakeholders, and promote its values of inclusion, collaboration, and refugee empowerment. Learn more about SIMPLE in the project website.

2026-01-05

SIMPLE participates in Integration, Support and Future Outlook: The Situation of People Fleeing Ukraine in 2025 and Prospects for 2026

On 18 November 2025, we took part in the conference “Integration, Support and Future Outlook: The Situation of People Fleeing Ukraine in 2025 and Prospects for 2026.” Civil society organisations, municipalities, experts and refugee communities came together to reflect on key needs, challenges and effective practices. The event offered a comprehensive overview of the situation of people arriving from Ukraine, the types of support available to them, and the outlook and opportunities for the year ahead. These discussions were especially relevant for us, as through the SIMPLE project we are working to develop innovative, practical solutions that strengthen the social inclusion and employability of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. The project aims to identify and scale proven practices, engage key stakeholders, and co-create new support models that offer real, tangible help to communities. It was inspiring to see how many dedicated professionals are working to ensure that refugees have a genuine chance to build a stable and independent life. Today’s event reaffirmed that local experience and international collaboration reinforce each other — and together, we can achieve meaningful change.

2025-12-12

SIMPLE concludes Work Package 2 and sets the stage for the next phase of activities

The SIMPLE project has concluded Work Package 2 (WP2), laying the foundation for a scalable and transferable model to support the labour market integration and social inclusion of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. As part of WP2, the consortium conducted a comprehensive mapping of over 80 social innovation initiatives across Europe. The selection included projects supported by EU programmes - such as EaSI, Urban Innovative Actions (UIA), Erasmus+, and Interreg - as well as national and regional initiatives from partner countries. This mapping aimed to identify both inspiring practices and systemic challenges in the fields of integration, employment, and inclusion. The complete repository of mapped initiatives is accessible here: https://simpleinnovation.eu/repository.php?lang=EN From this broader repository, the consortium extracted 13 best practices that were particularly well-documented, impactful, and aligned with the SIMPLE project’s objectives. These are analysed in depth in another key project deliverable: The Social Innovation Compendium, available at: https://simpleinnovation.eu/assessment.php?lang=EN Among the 13, three model initiatives were selected as the primary inspiration for the development of SIMPLE’s Theory of Change: BSI_4Women (Interreg Baltic Sea Region) – focused on entrepreneurship and economic integration for Ukrainian refugee women. SIREE (Interreg 2Seas) – based on a co-creation model engaging schools, families, and communities to support refugee integration. MiFriendlyCities (Urban Innovative Actions) – emphasising employer engagement and the creation of inclusive employment ecosystems. The Theory of Change, available on the project website, outlines how the SIMPLE model is expected to generate meaningful and sustainable impact. Drawing on selected elements of the three model initiatives, it proposes an adaptable, modular approach that can be tailored to diverse national and local contexts. This Theory of Change will serve as the foundation for the stakeholders’ engagement activities to be performed in all partner countries under WP3 and pilot actions to be carried out in Poland and Italy under WP4. In these two countries, partners will: Design and deliver targeted interventions for Ukrainian refugees, inspired by the selected model initiatives Engage relevant stakeholders (e.g. employers, training providers, community organisations, public authorities) to test co-designed solutions and build supportive local ecosystems Apply the SIMPLE model in real contexts, testing its feasibility, relevance, and adaptability Collect feedback and monitor outcomes, to evaluate the model’s effectiveness and inform future refinement and scaling. In Poland, the focus will be on employment activation, while in Italy, activities will revolve around empowerment and entrepreneurship pathways. Both pilots will be closely monitored to assess short-term and longer-term changes in participants’ inclusion and integration trajectories. SIMPLE is co-funded by the European Union under the ESF+ programme. The project brings together partners from Italy, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Croatia, and Hungary to co-design, pilot, and promote sustainable models for inclusion, employment, and community empowerment. Stay updated at: https://simpleinnovation.eu Contact: simple.euproject@gmail.com 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 European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.

2025-12-09

IDP Engages Local Stakeholders in Abruzzo, Italy, to Support Integration through Social Innovation

On 9 December 2025, IDP European Consultants organised a stakeholder engagement event in Montesilvano (Abruzzo region, Italy) as part of the SIMPLE project (Social Innovation Models for the Promotion of Inclusion and Employment), co-funded by the European Union under the ESF+ programme. The event was held in the framework of Work Package 3 (WP3), which focuses on identifying and engaging key stakeholders to support the co-development, dissemination, and future sustainability of the project’s model. The event brought together 13 participants, including representatives of local public authorities and third-sector organisations, two key dimensions of the quadruple helix model, which underpins the SIMPLE project’s stakeholder engagement strategy. Among the public-sector stakeholders were representatives from “Agenzia Speciale per I Servizi Sociali” providing social services for the Municipality of Montesilvano, actively working in the fields of social inclusion, community development, and migrant support. The third-sector was represented by Formula APS, which manages Spazio Mincio, a youth hub promoting professional development and social empowerment for people under 35, including those with a migrant background. During the session, IDP presented the SIMPLE project’s mission, structure, and the outcomes of Work Package 2 (WP2) - including the mapping of over 80 European social innovation initiatives and the development of the project’s Theory of Change. This framework provides a roadmap for how SIMPLE aims to foster the integration and employability of refugees and vulnerable migrants, particularly those displaced by the war in Ukraine. The stakeholders expressed great interest in the concept of social innovation, particularly in how it can be applied and adapted to diverse target groups and operational contexts. Although many participants primarily work with different migrant populations or with youth in general, they highlighted the potential transferability of SIMPLE’s results to other segments. Some participants from the third sector welcomed the SIMPLE model’s emphasis on tailored mentoring, empowerment activities, and modular employability pathways. They noted that many of their beneficiaries would benefit from similar tools, especially those aimed at fostering soft skills, job-readiness, and peer support mechanisms - all of which are components of SIMPLE’s piloting strategy. Representatives of public institutions showed a particular interest in the project’s goal to build local ecosystems of support that bring together service providers, training organisations, and employers. They highlighted the need for stronger coordination between institutional and community actors and recognised SIMPLE as a valuable initiative to bridge that gap with structured, evidence-based methodologies. The event also provided space for open dialogue and feedback, laying the groundwork for future cooperation and potential replication of SIMPLE activities at the local level. For more information, visit the SIMPLE project website: https://simpleinnovation.eu Contact: simple.euproject@gmail.com Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors 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.

2025-10-29

SIMPLE partners met in Pescara to consolidate the foundation of a new inclusive model

The partners of the SIMPLE project gathered in Pescara (Italy) on 29 October 2025 for the second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), hosted by IDP European Consultants, to review and finalise the deliverables developed under Work Package (WP) 2 - Assessment of the existing evidence and building the foundation of a new approach/model. SIMPLE, co-funded by the European Union under the ESF+, aims to design and test innovative approaches to social inclusion and civic participation, building stronger bridges between institutions, communities and citizens to better support the integration and empowerment of Ukrainian refugees. During the meeting, partners discussed the progress made in WP2’s deliverables, focusing on the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative indicators and the fine-tuning of the Theory of Change to ensure readiness for submission to the Agency. The consortium collaboratively validated the main outcomes of WP2, setting a solid foundation for the next project phases. The agenda also included sessions on stakeholder mapping (WP3), pilot planning (WP4), and dissemination (WP5), reinforcing the integrated approach of SIMPLE in linking research, fieldwork and social impact. The meeting concluded with a joint and interactive session on Quality Assurance, followed by a recap of the decisions taken and the planning of upcoming milestones. For more information about the SIMPLE project and upcoming activities, contact the consortium at simple.euproject@gmail.com or visit the website. Stay tuned for further updates.

2025-07-10

SIMPLE Project launches website to support Ukrainian refugee integration

The SIMPLE (Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability) project has officially launched its new website. This platform maps existing social innovation initiatives and provides practical resources to enhance the integration and employability of Ukrainian refugees. The website offers detailed information about the project and its results for wider dissemination. Available in multiple languages (English, Polish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish and Croatian), it serves as a central hub for updates, resources and engagement with stakeholders working in the field of migrant integration. Visit the website to learn more and get involved: www.simpleinnovation.eu

2025-05-19

Official launch of the SIMPLE project “Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability”

The SIMPLE project has officially launched with the aim of enhancing the social and professional inclusion of Ukrainian refugees across Europe. Co-financed by the European Commission under the ESF+ Social Innovation Initiative, SIMPLE responds to the urgent need for coordinated, innovative actions to support individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine by fostering sustainable employment pathways and social cohesion in host communities. On May 19th, the Kick-Off Meeting of the project took place in Brussels at the premises of the Belgian partner, Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires, gathering all the partner organisations to establish the project roadmap and align on shared objectives. The consortium comprises a diverse network of organisations from across Europe, bringing together expertise in education, training, research, digital innovation, public policy, and refugee support. CTS Customized Training Solutions sp. z o.o. (Poland) – Lead partner; a provider of tailored IT solutions and digital upskilling programs; Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires (IHF asbl) (Belgium) – A training institute and think tank established in Brussels as a no-profit organisation to mainstream European values towards diverse audiences Asociación IT Solutions for All (Spain) – A non-profit offering comprehensive ICT training for learners of all levels; Hope Ukraine Foundation E.T.S. (Italy) – A foundation delivering humanitarian aid and integration services for Ukrainian refugees; Civitas University (Poland) – A leading Polish university renowned for its social science and international relations programs; Hétfa Research Institute (Hétfa Kutatóintézet KFT) (Hungary) – A think tank focused on public policy, economic, and social research; IDP European Consultants (Italy) – A SME specialised in EU affairs, training, and international project development; Adriatic Ionian Euroregion (AIE) (Croatia) – A European network promoting transnational and interregional cooperation between regions and local authorities of the Adriatic Ionian area. Project Objectives and Activities Over the course of 18 months, SIMPLE will design, pilot, and promote scalable models of social innovation aimed at reducing barriers to employment and social integration for Ukrainian refugees. The project will achieve this by: Evaluating existing evidence and best practices to establish a new approach/model for enhancing Ukrainian refugee employability and integration; Mapping, engaging, and empowering stakeholders from various sectors (public, private, academic and civil society) to support and implement the new social innovation approach for Ukrainian refugees; Implementing and testing the developed model of social innovation in real-world settings to validate its effectiveness and adaptability; Promoting project outcomes, enhancing stakeholder capacities, and ensuring sustainable impact through comprehensive dissemination and stakeholder empowerment activities. The kick-off meeting featured an in-depth overview of the implementation timeline, deliverables, and performance indicators. In particular, partners engaged in a hands-on workshop, aimed at refining the methodology for assessing and transferring social innovation practices. The session also emphasized the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement throughout all phases of the project. The collaborative spirit and strategic planning evident at the kick-off meeting laid a strong foundation for the effective implementation of the project. The consortium is united by a shared commitment to creating lasting social impact and supporting displaced individuals in rebuilding their lives with dignity and opportunity, while assisting Member States in addressing the ongoing social and integration challenges. For more information about the SIMPLE project and upcoming activities, contact the consortium at simple.euproject@gmail.com. Stay tuned for further updates.

2025-05-14

Representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium, CTS and Civitas University participated in the “First Mutual Learning Event for Beneficiaries: Driving Innovation to Address the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine in the EU Countries”

On 13–14 May 2025, the First Mutual Learning Event was held in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together beneficiaries and partners of projects supported by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The event focused on sharing experiences and innovative approaches to addressing the social consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine across EU Member States. Representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium, composed of CTS and Civitas University, had the pleasure to take part in this inspiring meeting, organised by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation (ECCSI) under the ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration (CoP on MI). Participation in the event provided valuable insights and knowledge, fostering cooperation, partnership building and knowledge exchange with other innovative initiatives from across Europe. The two-day programme featured keynote speeches and discussions with representatives of the European Commission, national ministries, and social innovation leaders, including: Nadia Sacoor, Thematic Expert, ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration (CoP on MI), Peter Besselmann, DG EMPL, European Commission, Sabina Bankauskaitė, Deputy Head, European Competence Centre for Social Innovation (ECCSI), Paweł Michniewicz, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, Poland, Myroslava Keryk, CEO, Ukrainian House Foundation, Joanna Kucharczyk-Jurgielewicz, Regional Partnership Manager, Ashoka Poland, Antonina Michałowska, Vice Headmistress, Warsaw Ukrainian School (SzkoUA), Marta Białek-Graczyk, President, Association of Creative Initiatives “ę”. The agenda included expert panels, “Innovation in Action” pitches, project fairs and dynamic “Talking Tables” sessions devoted to innovation, sustainability, and scaling social impact. The event created an excellent opportunity for networking among ESF+ beneficiaries, strengthening transnational cooperation and developing new approaches to migrant integration and social innovation in Europe. “Participating in this event was a truly inspiring experience. It allowed us to deepen our understanding of social innovation practices and to establish meaningful partnerships with organisations across Europe that share similar goals,” said representatives of the SIMPLE Consortium. The SIMPLE Consortium implements initiatives focused on social innovation and integration of people affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine, aiming to support inclusion, empowerment and community resilience. More information on the Social Innovation+ Initiative website https://socialinnovationplus.eu/?omnisendContactID=6762d978903a5335b12be835&utm_campaign=campaign%3A%202025-05-13.14_Warsaw_thank%20you%20%28682b29fea42acbca04779f74%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=omnisend

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