| Work Detail |
More than 4,000 Ukrainian refugees across Croatia have received crucial employment support from an EBRD-backed technical assistance project. Croatia-based civil society organisations the SVOJA Association and SOLIDARNA Foundation have been working for the last two years in the framework of the Private Sector for Ukrainian Refugee Integration Initiative, which has focused on supporting the broader participation of Ukrainians in the Croatian labour market, with a focus on the private sector. Established in 2022 by Ukrainian women, SVOJA has emerged as a beacon of hope for displaced Ukrainians seeking employment and independence in Croatia. With a network of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, SVOJA offers advice on employment and business creation, job applications, legal support, free Croatian language courses and psychological support. These efforts have played a key role in helping Ukrainians – primarily women – navigate the challenges of the Croatian job market and overcome language barriers. “Since our arrival, we have supported and witnessed many Ukrainians in building successful business ventures in Croatia. Ukrainians here are actively pursuing business opportunities and economic independence, and we are proud that our association continues to assist them in achieving these goals,” stated Nataliia Hryshchenko, director of SVOJA. Under the EBRD-supported project, SVOJA has worked closely with SOLIDARNA, an established Croatian NGO, to promote these goals and build its own organisational capacity. The project was concluded today at a conference in Croatia, opening remarks were given by Associate Director Ivana Milicic and Liu Suan-yung, Chief of Mission, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, representing the Taiwan Business-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund. The conference gathered representatives from the public sector, diplomatic community, civil society, private sector employers and Ukrainians, who exchanged valuable insights, shared lessons learned and discussed their visions for the future. “Through this initiative we have not only enhanced inclusion in the Croatian labour market but also contributed to the local economy by addressing labour shortages and strengthening the private sector,” concluded Miljan Ždrale. The project is part of the EBRD’s Civil Society Capacity Enhancement Framework, an innovative grant-based programme to establish partnerships and provide support to a wide range of civil society stakeholders in the Bank’s countries of operation. The EBRD’s refugee response in Croatia is supported by the Taiwan Business-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund. |
