Building Bridges in Crisis: The First UKRAINE Call Beneficiaries’ Mutual Learning Event
The ‘Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression against Ukraine within EU Countries’ call aims to promote the development of innovative approaches to societal challenges that empower citizens, societies, and welfare systems to mitigate the societal consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
The event, held on 13-14 May 2025 in Warsaw, Poland, brought together 60 beneficiaries from 37 funded projects, as well as other key stakeholders, to share best practices and collaborate on transferring and scaling up successful social innovation solutions to the challenges faced by societies and public services in EU Member States.
Using social innovation to transform the refugee situation into opportunity
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, combined with existing economic, geopolitical, and ecological challenges, has had a far-reaching impact on EU countries, extending well beyond the immediate refugee crisis. The resulting societal pressures and emerging social needs demand innovative, citizen-centred responses. In this context, social innovation has gained increasing recognition as a vital instrument within EU policies and funding programmes. It has become a transformative approach that not only addresses specific societal challenges, but also empowers citizens, strengthens community resilience, and enhances the effectiveness of welfare systems across the EU.
Social innovation is about more than just solving problems – it is about reimagining systems, promoting inclusion, and unlocking opportunities, even in times of crisis.
Getting to know one another
An essential component of a successful mutual learning event is ensuring that each UKRAINE Call beneficiary has the opportunity to introduce themselves. It is crucial for participants not only to represent their projects, but also understand the diverse approaches and unique challenges faced by each initiative. Recognising the different contexts and innovative methods used across the projects fosters a collaborative atmosphere, enabling beneficiaries to learn from one another and identify areas for future cooperation. This exchange of ideas is key to strengthening the impact of all the projects and ensuring that the shared goal of supporting people in transition is achieved in the most effective way possible.
Supporting beneficiaries at every stage of project implementation
The Transnational Calls team plays a vital role in supporting beneficiaries, from the announcement of the call and its successful application through to the implementation of their projects. This dedicated team provides guidance and support at every stage, helping beneficiaries to meet their needs and ensuring the successful delivery of their projects.
‘Delivering clear, well-structured guidance during the first mutual learning event is essential to the successful launch of the project. By walking beneficiaries through each phase – from signing grant agreements and fulfilling reporting requirements to utilising communication tools – the event not only dispelled uncertainties but also empowered beneficiaries to proceed with confidence and focus on achieving meaningful social impact. This first event established a strong tone for the entire implementation period. It fostered trust, addressed key concerns, and ensured that all projects began with a shared understanding,’ said Ina Sinkevičiūtė, Project Team Lead at the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation.
Mutual learning in action: a promising start for 37 projects
The event successfully achieved its stated objectives, with participants actively exchanging ideas and practices throughout both days. Nadia Sacoor, Thematic Expert for the ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration, reflected: ‘The seamless alternation between presentations, panel discussions, and interactive, playful sessions kept all 100 participants representing 24 EU Member States, as well as the beneficiaries, fully engaged. In terms of content, the diversity of voices – from government representatives and international NGOs to local organisations, project managers of Ukrainian origin, and experts from the Transnational Calls Team – ensured that the 37 grant beneficiaries received a strong foundation from which to launch their projects with confidence and clarity.’
Be part of the change!
Are you interested in the possibility of hosting a study visit at your organisation? Would you like next year’s event to take place in your country, city, or region? We warmly invite you to share your ideas by emailing us at events@socialinnovationplus.eu.