How the SMART UA Project helps Ukrainians?

What is SMART UA?

SMART UA is an integration programme for Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia.
The project is coordinated by JRS Europe (Belgium) and implemented with 11 partner organizations.

See more: SMART UA – JRS Europe

Its main goal is simple. It aims to help people forced to flee their homes regain balance. It provides stability and real opportunities to move ahead.

We pay special attention to:

women with children
older people
people with disabilities

These groups often face the biggest barriers to housing, employment, and adapting to a new country.

Ukrainian participants during a Romanian language class at JRS Romania, part of the
SMART UA integration project co-funded by the European Union

What we do in Romania

From the first months, participation in Romania has been very high. Thus, people come regularly, ask questions, and actively look for guidance. This shows a clear proof that these needs are still not fully covered.

In Bucharest and other locations, JRS Romania offers:

1. Information sessions on housing and work

These sessions help people understand the legal and administrative steps they must take.

Housing – how to rent safely. Like know what to check before signing a contract. Learn how to protect your rights as a tenant. Understand what documents are needed if you later buy a home.
Self-employment – Learn how to open a small business. Choose the right tax choice. Prepare documents. Estimate registration and running costs.

2. Education and skills courses

Language courses (English and Romanian) – essential for integration, finding a job, communicating with neighbors and colleagues, and building self-confidence.
IT courses teach basic and advanced digital skills. These skills can open the door to the global labor market. They include opportunities for remote work.

Alongside technical skills, participants also work on soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence, and stress management. These are useful in almost any job and make it easier to integrate into a new community.

Our approach

For us, personal development is a core part of integration — not something optional. When people feel informed, skilled, and confident, they can build a more stable life in Romania or anywhere else in Europe.

Through SMART UA, JRS Romania works to create long-term, scalable solutions, not just short-term support. This is only possible in close cooperation with: