Almedalen 2026: HUG hosted a panel on veteran reintegration at Svenska Soldathemsförbundet in Visby

Veteran reintegration is not simply about returning to civilian life. It is about recognising the experience, skills, and potential veterans bring with them, and creating the conditions for them to find a new sense of purpose and belonging.

For the past two years, HUG has been working with Ukrainian veterans and their families through the Hug for Heroes programme. More than 350 participants have taken part in our initiatives, giving us practical experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within veteran recovery and reintegration.

At Almedalen, HUG hosted a panel discussion at Svenska Soldathemsförbundet where we presented the Hug for Heroes programme model and shared lessons learned from our work. Most importantly, we gave the stage to those who have experienced the programme firsthand.

Hug for Heroes participants shared their perspectives on rebuilding civilian life, finding new purpose, and applying the leadership, resilience, and decision-making skills developed through military service to new challenges.

Their stories showed that reintegration is also about recognising the value, skills, and contribution veterans bring to society.

We are genuinely glad to see veteran reintegration receiving increasing attention from organisations and institutions internationally. Supporting veterans is our shared responsibility and an important part of building stronger, more resilient communities.