The European Centre for Freedom and Independence celebrates its second anniversary: Achievements of the year

We recall the key achievements of the Centre

11/27/20245 min read

Two years ago, the European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI) began its journey in Austria with a vision to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and its European integration, and promote a united Europe. Today, we reflect on impactful initiatives, fruitful collaborations, and progress on the way to fulfilling our mission.

As we mark this milestone, we are proud to share the key achievements and events that have shaped our journey. These accomplishments became possible thanks to our partners and supporters. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for continued success.

Join us as we look back at our story so far and share our plans for the future.

Winter 2023-24:

Launching and growing

Public debut: EUCFI launched its public activities, establishing a presence on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Partnership with ERSTE Foundation: we became the implementing partner for the Professional Integration HUB, a long-term internship program for Ukrainian professionals in Austria, receiving funding and launching the initiative.

Centre presentation: we organized an introductory presentation of EUCFI for friends and partners.

Erasmus+ Displaced Youth Program: jointly with WIENXTRA secured funding for a project focused on Ukrainian displaced youth, involving Ukrainian youth workers from Austria, France, Poland, Portugal, and Ukraine.
Study tour for education experts: collaborated with the Center of Ukrainian Researches in Austria and WIENXTRA to organize a one-week study tour in Vienna for pre-school, school and higher education level experts from Ukraine.

Professional Integration HUB kickoff: out of 220 applicants, selected 13 Ukrainian professionals for a 3-month internship in 10 leading Austrian institutions and organizations.

Preparatory partners’ meeting in Vienna: ahead of the training under the Youth Work with Displaced Ukrainian Youth project, a preparatory meeting was held in Vienna, bringing together partners from four countries to coordinate efforts and align strategies for the program’s success.

Spring 2024:

Strengthening connections

Youth work training: held a one-week training in Vienna for 36 youth workers supporting displaced Ukrainian youth, including study visits to the Parliament, City of Vienna, and local youth organizations.

Active HUB 1.0 phase: interns participated in study visits and networking events as part of the HUB program.

Summer 2024:

Building communities

Professional Integration HUB 1.0 completion: hosted the final conference for the participants and representatives of the hosting organisations and announced the second round.

HUB Community: initiated the Ukrainian professionals' community in Vienna and held its first offline meeting for over 50 participants.

Youth Work with Displaced Youth online conference: organized a virtual event with participants of the Erasmus+ project from 5 European countries, preparing for the final conference of the project in Warsaw.
Professional Integration HUB 2.0 call: opened applications for the program’s second round from August 5 to September 8, receiving 175 applications.

Autumn 2024:

Driving impact

Professional Integration HUB 2.0 launch: officially opened the second round of the program, with 20 Ukrainian women professionals starting 3-month paid internships in top Austrian institutions.

Youth Work with Displaced Ukrainian Youth final conference: held the concluding conference in Warsaw, Poland, for over 55 high-level participants and project partners from Austria, France, Poland, and Ukraine, additionally drawing over 250 online viewers and featuring prominent Ukrainian youth experts. During the conference draft recommendations on youth work with displaced youth from Ukraine have been presented for practical and strategic levels of implementation in Ukraine and Europe.

Launch of German language courses: the Centre has initiated a business German course tailored for Ukrainian professionals in Austria. Currently designed for participants of the Professional Integration HUB 2.0 program, the course has the potential for future expansion to benefit a broader audience.
Stakeholder Meeting on Professional Integration: co-organized the “Perspectives of Ukrainian Displaced Persons in Austria and Europe” meeting with ERSTE Foundation and Dr. Judith Kohlenberger. This event gathered leaders from Austrian ministries, NGOs, and the private sector to discuss integration challenges and solutions for Ukrainians displaced by the war.

HUB Program presentation: co-founders Olena Bekreniova and Olga Olefirova presented the HUB program’s impressive results and insights into the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainian professionals in Austria.

Active HUB 2.0 phase: Interns participated in professional development activities, study visits, and networking events as part of the HUB program.

Plans for 2025:

Preparing for the launch of the Professional Integration HUB 3.0, expanding opportunities for Ukrainian professionals.
Hosting events to foster the growing Ukrainian professionals' community in Austria.
Expanding partnerships and program portfolio of the Centre.
Continuing to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, promote its EU integration, and build links between Austrian and Ukrainian professional communities.

The European Centre for Freedom and Independence is an Austrian organization founded in 2022 by Ukrainians in response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. EUCFI is dedicated to fostering democracy, promoting human rights and gender equality, and supporting Ukraine’s recovery and European integration.

We develop and implement programs that provide Ukrainian professionals with European experience, ensuring their active civic engagement while contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction based on democratic principles, transparency, and European values.

We invite you to spread a word about our programs and activities. Besides, we invite you to support us with expertise and facilities, financial sponsorship and informational partnership. Together we can change this world for the better!

Thank you for being a part of this journey. We look forward to achieving even greater milestones together. Stay tuned!