Kick off meeting in Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki became the starting point of an ambitious European project, as the kick-off meeting of the programme “BRIDGE4U – Building Resilience and Integration through Diverse Guidance for Ukrainian Refugees” took place there on 15 September. The project number is ESF-SI-2024-UA-01-0096.
The meeting was held at the premises of the Institute of Social Innovation and Cohesion, a civil society organisation based in Thessaloniki.
Representatives from seven European countries — Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Poland, Austria, Germany, and Lithuania — gathered to begin cooperation aimed at strengthening the empowerment and social integration of Ukrainian refugees in Europe.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). Its goal is to develop innovative tools for counselling, education, and professional support for both refugees and specialists working in this field. Research, training materials, and community engagement are expected to lay the foundation for new bridges between European nations by strengthening understanding, resilience, and cooperation.
During the kick-off meeting, the partners presented the action plan and the main work packages. First, the project will focus on analysing needs and good practices through surveys and focus groups. Later, digital training materials and an interactive learning platform will be developed.
The project also foresees the creation of Guidance Hubs and the implementation of a Train-the-Trainers programme. Significant attention will be given to the dissemination of results, communication activities, and European networking.
The meeting in Thessaloniki was not only an official beginning, but also a message of cooperation, solidarity, and European unity. The partners shared ideas, experiences, and expectations. They emphasised that the success of the project will depend on trust, synergy, and belief in a shared European future, where belonging is not only a matter of policy, but also a value.
Guided by this vision, BRIDGE4U begins its journey in Thessaloniki — building, both literally and figuratively, bridges of resilience and unity in contemporary Europe.
Gap Identification and SWOT Analysis Report: Research and Methodology Framework
Research and Methodology
The purpose of this research was to identify the main gaps in the integration of Ukrainian refugees across the project partner countries and to explore possibilities for systematic changes that can improve guidance, support, and inclusion.
Gap Identification
Analysis of existing challenges, barriers, and unmet needs in refugee integration processes.
Partner Countries
Research carried out across the BRIDGE4U project partner countries to compare experiences and identify shared priorities.
Systematic Change
Exploration of opportunities for long-term improvements in support systems, guidance services, and integration policies.
