The European Centre for Freedom and Independence

We strengthen the competencies of Ukrainian professionals by providing them with European experience and engaging them in the reconstruction of Ukraine and its integration into the EU.

Key areas of our activities:

  • promoting European democratic principles and values;

  • promoting the protection of security, human rights, and gender equality;

  • developing an effective society;

  • promoting citizen participation in decision-making;

  • supporting Ukraine and its citizens on the path to EU integration and reconstruction;

  • support for vulnerable groups affected by the war;

  • knowledge and experience exchange for professionals in various fields.

Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Through its programs, EUCFI actively contributes to the implementation of SDGs, particularly Decent Work and Economic Growth, Quality Education, and Partnerships for the Goals.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Programs aimed at enhancing the professional qualifications of Ukrainian women and facilitating internships in Austrian institutions and organizations increase their chances of finding jobs that match their qualifications, thereby reducing the burden on Austria’s social system. Furthermore, the professional integration of highly skilled Ukrainian women contributes to economic growth.

Quality Education

The Austrian education system faced significant challenges in integrating Ukrainian schoolchildren. Many continued their online studies in Ukrainian schools while simultaneously attending Austrian schools, due to uncertainties regarding their legal status and future plans. This situation, combined with parents’ limited understanding of the Austrian education system, negatively affected the quality of education for Ukrainian children. Thanks to the Professional Integration HUB program implemented by EUCFI, efforts were made to bridge these gaps. The program helped facilitate communication between educational systems, provided Ukrainian families with essential orientation on the Austrian school structure, and supported the adaptation of children through improved access to language support. Additionally, EUCFI organized a study visit to Austria for Ukrainian educators to explore the local educational practices and build professional connections.

EUCFI programs and initiatives foster partnerships to address specific challenges and achieve set objectives. For instance, the "Youth Work with Displaced Ukrainian Youth" program implemented in cooperation with WIENXTRA and funded by Erasmus+ established collaborations with representatives from five countries: WIENXTRA, Plast, Way of Hope (Austria), NGO Stand with Ukraine (Poland), NGO Echanges Lorraine Ukraine (France), the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Palanska Community, and the Ukrainian Association of Youth Workers (Ukraine). Within the Professional Integration Hub program, partnerships were formed with Austrian institutions and organizations, including five ministries, to support the professional integration of highly skilled Ukrainians. Moreover, during their internships, program participants facilitated partnerships and cooperation with Ukrainian colleagues.

Partnerships for the Goals

Professional Integration HUB is a long-term internship program for Ukrainians residing in Austria as a result of russia‘s aggression against Ukraine. The project is funded by ERSTE Foundation and implemented by EUCFI since its launch in 2023. The goal of the project is to facilitate the professional advancement of Ukrainian specialists by integrating them into the European professional environment.

Our Projects

The project aims to address the challenges faced by young Ukrainians displaced by the а full-scale invasion from russia in 2022. The project is initiated by EUCFI, funded by Erasmus+ and implemented jointly with Wienxtra in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Association of Youth Workers of Ukraine, Palanka Local Community, Stand with Ukraine Foundation (Poland), Echanges Lorraine Ukraine (France), PLAST - Austria and OMEGA Transkulturelles Zentrum Graz (Austria).

We focus on

European Experience for Professionals

Rebuilding of Ukraine

Our programs are designed for Ukrainian professionals with higher education and work experience, residing in Ukraine or elsewhere worldwide, aiming to advance their careers in specific fields while maintaining an active civic engagement.

We perceive it as the reconstruction of Ukraine based on the principles of democracy and transparency, while considering European values and Ukraine's commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union.

Advisor and former long-term CEO and program manager of the Kyiv-based Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation (non-formal education for young professionals and reformers in Ukraine in 2010-2022), Associate Member of the World Academy of Arts and Science, Masters in Philology and Pedagogics, graduate of MIM Business School, Ukraine.

Expert on reforms in Ukraine, 20+ years of experience working with international organisations, head of the Young Generation will Change Ukraine Alumni NGO, Master of Law, Master of Business Administration, graduate of London School of Economics program on Public Policy Innovations.

Co-founder of the National Park Serra das Andorinhas on the Amazon frontier. Manager of organic farm in Upper Austria. 4 years of community work in Brasil until 2002. MA in Applied Anthropology for Community and Youth Work, London University.

Journalist, ex-chief editor of online media, 10 years of experience working in mass media, participant of the Young Generation will Change Ukraine Alumni NGO, Master of Publishing and Editing.

Olena Bekreniova

Co-Founder and Director

Olga Olefirova

Co-Founder and Deputy Director

Our Team

Nina Metternich-Sándor

Strategic Partnership

Valeriia Ilchenko

PR and Communications

Our mission is to promote a united Europe, support rebuilding Ukraine and its EU integration

Our partners