On 1 July 2025, Brussels hosted the final conference of SISWEC, a three-year EU-funded project focused on improving social work education and crisis preparedness across Europe. The conference marked the conclusion of an international collaboration aimed at helping social workers respond more effectively to the complex challenges they face today, from the pandemic and forced migration to the rising cost of living and political instability.

From Local Innovation to European Collaboration

Opening the event, Rasha Nagem shared an overview of the project’s main achievements. These included a multilingual e-learning platform, certified training modules and new opportunities for collaboration between universities, professionals and public services. The resources were designed to support both students and experienced practitioners in developing practical crisis-related skills.

Much of the day focused on local experiences and frontline responses. ESN presented its workforce survey and revealed shared concerns across Europe, such as high staff turnover, limited crisis-specific training and rising administrative burdens. While responses to COVID-19 were seen as relatively strong, other crises, like economic hardship or antisocial behaviour, had exposed ongoing gaps.

There were also encouraging examples of innovation by ESN members. The Barcelona Council presented the RESPIR programme, which offers temporary support for caregivers of people with disabilities or older adults, helping to prevent burnout. The Regional Government of Asturias showcased the Conect-As initiative, which bridges the digital divide for low-income adults, combining financial support with coaching and group training. Both projects emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to serve as examples of targeted, community-based support.

Adapting Education to a Changing World

A central theme of the conference was how social work education needs to evolve. Several speakers pointed out that existing curricula are often too rigid to address emerging topics such as climate change, radicalisation or digital inclusion. There was a call for more flexibility in training programmes and stronger partnerships between academic institutions and community organisations.

Part of SISWEC’s contribution in this area came through targeted training sessions dedicated to a specific theme. The training session in Poland focused on social work in the context of forced migration, drawing on recent experiences supporting Ukrainian refugees. The other, hosted in France, explored precarity and encouraged social workers to reflect on its emotional and systemic impact. These sessions were informative and created space for peer learning and shared reflection across different national contexts.

The importance of maintaining social work’s ethical foundation was also emphasised. While technical skills are essential, speakers stressed that values such as human rights, inclusion and solidarity remain at the heart of the profession. As democratic institutions come under strain in parts of Europe, there is a shared sense that social workers should be supported to play a more active civic role.

Looking Ahead

The final panel focused on the future of social work education in Europe. Panellists highlighted the need for better integration of crisis-related topics, more cross-border collaboration and greater adaptability in course design. At the same time, there were concerns about over-standardisation and the risk of reducing practical training hours in some national reforms.

As SISWEC draws close, its tools and partnerships leave behind a foundation for ongoing progress. The final conference underscored the importance of preparing social workers to respond to crises and help build more resilient and inclusive communities.