On May 19, 2025, the international SIMPLE project – Social Innovation Models to Promote Learning and Employability was officially launched during a kick-off meeting held in Brussels. The initiative, co-funded by the European Commission through the ESF+ Social Innovation Initiative, aims to foster the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees across Europe by building innovative pathways to employment and community engagement.
The launch event took place at the headquarters of the Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires, the project’s Belgian partner. Representatives of all participating institutions gathered to coordinate the project’s work plan, define key objectives, and lay the groundwork for effective collaboration over the next 18 months.
The SIMPLE consortium brings together a diverse group of organizations from several European countries, combining expertise in education, technology, public policy, and refugee support. The partners include:
- CTS Customized Training Solutions sp. z o.o. (Poland) – Lead partner, offering customized IT services and digital upskilling programs;
- Institut de Haute Formation aux Politiques Communautaires (IHF asbl) (Belgium) – A non-profit think tank and training institute focused on EU values and policies;
- Asociación IT Solutions for All (Spain) – A non-profit providing ICT education to diverse learner groups;
- Hope Ukraine Foundation E.T.S. (Italy) – An organization supporting humanitarian relief and integration services for Ukrainian refugees;
- Civitas University (Poland) – A leading academic institution with strengths in social sciences and international relations;
- Hétfa Research Institute (Hungary) – A think tank specializing in economic and social policy research;
- IDP European Consultants (Italy) – A consultancy firm working in EU project development and training;
- Adriatic Ionian Euroregion (AIE) (Croatia) – A transnational network fostering cooperation among regions and local authorities in the Adriatic-Ionian area.
Aims and Key Actions
The SIMPLE project seeks to develop and test adaptable social innovation models that will help Ukrainian refugees overcome employment barriers and integrate into host societies. Its main objectives include:
- Analyzing existing approaches and best practices to create a comprehensive model supporting employability and integration;
- Involving stakeholders across sectors — from government and academia to civil society and business — to collaboratively design and implement innovative solutions;
- Piloting the developed model in practical settings to assess its effectiveness and replicability;
- Promoting results through wide-reaching communication efforts, while building stakeholder capacity and ensuring long-term impact.
The Brussels meeting also included a practical workshop dedicated to refining tools for assessing and transferring social innovation practices. A central theme was the role of inclusive, cross-sector collaboration in supporting displaced individuals effectively and sustainably.
The energy and shared purpose demonstrated by the partners at the project’s launch set a strong tone for what lies ahead. The consortium is committed to creating tangible, lasting outcomes for Ukrainian refugees and contributing to broader efforts by EU Member States to address ongoing challenges in social cohesion and integration.
To learn more or follow project developments, please contact the consortium at: 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.