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More about UTOPIA

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Recent history has shown that populist nationalism can grow in refugee-hosting societies (van der Brug, 2021). This can cause resentment and clashes between locals and refugees, diminishing chances for successful local integration. As refugee numbers from Ukraine settle into Europe temporarily or permanently, it is important for EU member states to anticipate and uphold a welcoming stance. The EU has set as a high priority the smooth social integration of the Ukrainian

refugees for the duration of staying that will be needed. Among the action plans that highlight this need is the Activation of the Temporary Protection Directive and the Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE). Considering the priority that the EU has set to stand by the people fleeing from war, our partnership was motivated to join forces and design an innovative project that will encourage the active involvement of both locals and Ukrainian refugees in 3 countries, some of which have received intense migration flows due to the war in the last few months. According to the Operational Data Portal – Ukraine refugee situation (UNHCR, 2023), Romania and Poland recorded 110.106 and 1.564.711 respectively with Greece following with lower inflow rates.

About UTOPIA

UTOPIA is designed to foster social inclusion and intercultural dialogue between local and Ukrainian youth. The project will create tools and training materials for youth workers to facilitate these dialogues, using innovative methods like gamification to break down cultural barriers and promote understanding. Thus, we intend to:

-Improve partners’ capacity to support the integration of young refugees.

-Increase youth workers’ capacity for facilitating mixed groups (locals and refugees).

-Enhance refugee youth’s integration.

-Promote the project’s visibility and impact.

UTOPIA target groups

T1. Youth Workers: Professionals working with youth, including those from NGOs, educational institutions, and other relevant organisations.

T2. Local Youth and Ukrainian Refugees: Young people from local communities and displaced Ukrainian youth.

T3. Stakeholders: Local business associations, VET institutes, development agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

T4. Local Communities: Benefiting from better awareness and implementation of ESG policies.

T5. Partners: Organisations directly involved in project activities.

UTOPIA goals

  • Improve partners’ capacity to support the integration of young refugees.
  • Increase youth workers’ capacity for facilitating mixed groups (locals and refugees).
  • Enhance refugee youth’s integration.
  • Promote the project’s visibility and impact.