Opening of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0: How it happened

On October 17, 2024, we proudly launched the second edition of the Professional Integration HUB internship program, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to support the integration of talented Ukrainian professionals into European workplaces. The full list of participants in the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program can be viewed here.

The opening event was an inspiring moment, attended by new participants and key program team members. Yana Barinova, ERSTE Foundation’s Project Manager on European Policies and Ukrainian Affairs, addressed the audience, highlighting the program’s growing impact. She was joined by Olena Bekreniova, Olga Olefirova, and Nina Metternich from the European Centre for Freedom and Independence, all of whom shared valuable insights into the program’s vision and future direction.

The next three months, from October 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, will offer participants the opportunity to intern at top institutions and organizations in Austria. These internships will be accompanied by an array of professional development activities, networking opportunities, and study visits, designed to enhance the participants’ skills and facilitate their integration into European work environments.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who made this event a success, and we look forward to witnessing the impact our participants will make in their respective fields over the coming months.

For an inside look at how the opening event took place, we invite you to explore the photos below, capturing key moments from this important day:

The program is initiated and funded by ERSTE Foundation and implemented by the European Centre for Freedom and Independence.