This week, partners and stakeholders of the RefAid BaltHUB project are gathered in Estonia for a regional study visit. The primary objective of this visit is to strengthen cross-border cooperation, facilitate the exchange of professional experiences, and learn from established practices that support Ukrainian refugees and other vulnerable communities across the Baltic States.

The delegation brings together a diverse group of experts, including representatives from partner organizations in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The group also includes members of the BaltHUB network, civil society organizations, frontline service providers, and key stakeholders from public institutions specializing in refugee support, social integration, and public health.

Engaging with Local Expertise

A key highlight of the visit is a meeting at the Estonian Refugee Council (Pagulasabi). This session provides participants with deep insights into the current landscape of refugee support services in Estonia, including:

• Current Trends and Challenges: An analysis of the evolving needs of Ukrainian refugees.

• Integration and Reintegration Processes: Best practices for supporting long-term settlement or safe return strategies.

• Cross-Sector Cooperation: Exploring successful models of collaboration between civil society and public institutions.

This visit serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

The RefAid BaltHUB Framework

This study visit is organized within the framework of the “RefAid BaltHUB: Digital and Peer-Led Support for the Integration and Reintegration of Ukrainian Refugees in the Baltic States” project. This initiative is implemented by the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV) in partnership with Demetra (Lithuania) and AGIHAS (Latvia), with financial support from the Swiss Confederation through the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) Rapid Response Fund.

Throughout the coming days, the agenda includes a series of stakeholder meetings, community visits, project coordination sessions, and direct exchanges with beneficiaries in Tallinn and Tartu.

Digital Innovation and AI-Powered Support

The visit also features participation from Ukrainian partners, including the Alliance for Public Health, and technical experts from the TWIIN team. Their collaboration is essential for developing RefAid BaltHUB’s digital and AI-powered tools. These technologies are being designed to significantly improve access to reliable information, professional referrals, and essential support services for Ukrainian refugees throughout the Baltic region.

By combining human-led peer support with innovative digital solutions, the RefAid BaltHUB project aims to build more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable support systems for those who need them most.