PLOUTOS project strengthens support for third-country nationals
Enhanced integration through entrepreneurship, that has been the goal of the EU-funded project PLOUTOS for the past three years. Now the project, in which Halmstad University has been a leading partner, has come to an end. By developing innovative tools and training programmes, the project has given third-country nationals the opportunity to take the step towards economic independence and a stronger future.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact of this three-year project, which has not only supported third-country nationals in achieving economic independence but has also strengthened local communities across Europe.”
Ghazal Zalkat, Researcher

As project coordinator, Halmstad University has contributed to the collaboration between eleven partners in seven EU countries. The project’s results include, among other things, a digital learning platform, comprehensive training materials and a business acceleration programme.

Ghazal Zalkat. Photo: Magnus Karlsson
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact of this three-year project, which has not only supported third-country nationals in achieving economic independence but has also strengthened local communities across Europe. PLOUTOS embodies the values of inclusion, resilience and shared prosperity”, says Ghazal Zalkat, Researcher at Halmstad University.
Over the course of the project, more than 250 third-country nationals have been trained in key skills such as financial literacy and business language. Another 40 people have received training in community interpretation. A particularly successful initiative has been the Business Acceleration Programme, where over 30 participants underwent practical simulations to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to contribute knowledge and expertise where you can see the effects directly in terms of commitment and action. A goal, whether it’s starting a business or buying your first home, can only be realised when you have the tools and understanding of what the way forward might look like”, says Henrik Barth, Senior Lecturer at Halmstad University.

Henrik Barth. Photo: Anders Andersson
On 6 December, the final event of the project was held in Brussels under the theme “Building Communities Together”. At the event, the results of the project were presented and several entrepreneurs shared their experiences.
“During the project’s closing event, we had the opportunity to meet the whole project team, the organisations that collaborated with us and many of the third-country nationals who actively participated in the initiative. It was truly inspiring to witness the collective impact of our efforts and to celebrate the successes together”, says Ghazal Zalkat.
Through PLOUTOS, Halmstad University has helped to develop tools that will continue to support integration and entrepreneurship even after the project ends. In particular, the project has focused on overcoming linguistic, financial and cultural challenges to create pathways to economic independence and social inclusion for third-country nationals in Europe.

The PLOUTOS project’s closing event in Brussels.
Text: Lovisa Essunger
Top photo: Ghazal Zalkat
More information
PLOUTOS website External link.
På svenska
PLOUTOS-projektet i mål – stärker stöd för tredjelandsmedborgare External link.