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EU Mutual Learning on Social Innovation: EARLALL Contributes through the WISE Project

02/02/2026

EARLALL participated as a communications project partner in the 2nd online mutual learning event organised by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, within the Call Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression against Ukraine within EU Countries. EARLALL participated in the exchange of practices and lessons learned through its involvement in the WISE – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing project.

The event built on the momentum of the first event held in May 2025 and brought together project partners and beneficiaries to share experiences, reflect on lessons learned and explore strategies to ensure sustainability beyond project implementation.

Promoting Peer Learning and Long-term Impact

The event was opened by Ina Sinkevičiūtė, Project Team Lead at the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, who reiterated the core objective: to create spaces for peer learning, knowledge exchange and long-term actions beyond project implementation. The session emphasised the importance of collaboration in transferring social innovation practices and fostering inclusive solutions for people who have fled Ukraine.

Aurélien Mornon Afonso from DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission, continued on Sinkevičiūtė intervention by highlighting the European Commission’s priorities in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty. Further stressing the relevance of initiatives advancing social cohesion and resilience across EU member states —objectives that are closely aligned with EARLALL’s mission and its engagement in the WISE project.

Overview and aim of the Call

Laura Puciataitė, Project Coordinator at the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, presented an overview of the Call, underlining its aim to support transnational projects that transfer and upscale social innovation. The call focuses on initiatives that contribute to integration and inclusion of people who have fled Ukraine while mitigating broader societal challenges, such as energy crises and poverty, focusing on target groups such as women, youth and vulnerable groups. In this context, EARLALL contributes to the Call’s objectives through the WISE project, which takes a holistic approach to supporting Ukrainian refugee women. WISE focuses on three interlinked areas

  • Economic integration and labour market access, through language skills development, empowerment hubs and life skills training.
  • Social and community integration, promoting inclusion via community, cultural orientation and peer support.
  • Mental health and well-being, by strengthening resilience through trauma-informed psychosocial and mental health support.

Insights on Migrant Intergration

Insights from Erika Borg, Thematic Expert of the ESF+ Community of Practice on Migrant Integration, further reinforced the relevance of WISE. Borg highlighted demographic changes and displacement patterns, noting that women are the majority of individuals under Temporary Protection Status in the EU, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the war on women and vulnerable groups.

In line with the call’s objectives, Borg emphasised that, since July 2025, the European Commission has enabled Ukrainian NGOs, public authorities, and companies to apply for ESF+ funding. This funding supports projects aimed at improving labour market participation and skills development —areas directly addressed by the WISE project.

As a European network, EARLALL remains committed to resilient and sustainable societies. Through the WISE project, EARLALL can demonstrate a holistic approach by addressing multiple dimensions of refugees’ realities. Ultimately, continuing supporting integration of Ukrainian refugees through trauma-informed centres, socio-economic empowerment and well-being.