EU and ILO Launch New Project to Build a Fair, Inclusive Labour Market for Ukraine’s Recovery

The European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have launched a major new initiative to strengthen Ukraine's labour market institutions and ensure that the country's post-war recovery and path toward EU membership are fair, inclusive, and centred on people. The project will support the Government of Ukraine, as well as employers' and workers' organizations, in advancing reforms that promote decent work, equal opportunities, and social justice in line with EU and international labour standards.

A Shared Vision for Fair Recovery and European Integration

The project was formally announced during a signing ceremony in Kyiv, attended by Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, and Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine.

"The European Union stands firmly with Ukraine as it advances on its path toward EU accession and post-war recovery," said Ambassador Mathernová. "Through this project, we are supporting the creation of a more inclusive and resilient labour market — one that empowers workers, strengthens institutions, and upholds European and international labour standards. By promoting effective social dialogue and ensuring that women, youth, displaced persons, people with disabilities, and veterans can fully participate in Ukraine's reconstruction, we are helping to build a future rooted in dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all Ukrainians."

The initiative aligns closely with the EU's commitment to Ukraine's accession process and the European Pillar of Social Rights, which emphasizes fairness, equality, and social inclusion as foundations of sustainable growth.

Supporting Labour Reform and Social Dialogue

The project will be implemented by the ILO in partnership with Ukrainian ministries, trade unions, and employers' associations. Its objective is to help modernize Ukraine's labour institutions, strengthen social dialogue, and align national legislation with EU and ILO conventions, ensuring that Ukraine's recovery is equitable and labour rights are protected.

According to Sergiy Savchuk, ILO Project Manager, the initiative is structured around several key priorities:

1. Strengthening Social Dialogue: The project will foster tripartite consultations between the government, employers, and trade unions on key labour reforms related to Ukraine's recovery and EU accession. This includes technical assistance, policy advice, and facilitation of inclusive dialogue to ensure all stakeholders are actively involved in shaping labour policy.

2. Building Institutional Capacity: The initiative will invest in the skills development of labour professionals, including policymakers, labour inspectors, judges, and representatives of employers' and workers' organizations. Training and peer learning will help strengthen the application of international labour standards and EU law in practice.

3. Modernizing Employment Services: Ukraine's public employment services will be upgraded to better connect job seekers — including displaced persons, women, young people, and war veterans — with decent and sustainable employment opportunities.

4. Empowering Young People: The ILO will support the creation of Ukraine's first Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan, inspired by successful EU initiatives that help young people gain employment, education, or training within a set timeframe.

5. Aligning Labour Laws with EU Standards: The project will help Ukraine update its Labour Code and related legislation to align with ILO conventions and the EU acquis communautaire, ensuring fair working conditions, equality, and stronger worker protections.

"This project will help address structural labour market challenges while fostering collective ownership of the recovery process," said Aida Lindmeier. "By supporting social dialogue, we are ensuring that Ukraine's reforms reflect the needs of workers and employers alike. This partnership will also give new momentum to the development of an inclusive and modern Labour Code, a key milestone for EU integration."

Building a Labour Market Fit for a Modern European Ukraine

Ukraine's labour market has faced enormous disruption due to the ongoing war, with millions displaced and widespread damage to businesses and infrastructure. Yet, as reconstruction accelerates, the country has a historic opportunity to build a labour system that is more equitable, resilient, and future-ready.

The project will help rebuild trust between social partners, promote fairness in employment, and strengthen institutional resilience across Ukraine's world of work. By doing so, it aims to place people — workers, employers, and their families — at the centre of recovery and reconstruction.

ILO Project Manager Sergiy Savchuk highlighted that social dialogue and institutional capacity-building are vital for ensuring that reforms deliver tangible results:

"This initiative will create space for shared understanding and cooperation between social partners. By strengthening institutions, we are laying the groundwork for a labour market that supports Ukraine's democratic and economic ambitions, while ensuring that recovery is both just and inclusive."

Advancing EU Accession Through Social Partnership

The initiative reflects the EU and ILO's shared commitment to Ukraine's long-term vision of joining the European Union, where compliance with EU labour and social standards is a key requirement for accession.

Through this partnership, Ukraine will receive tailored technical and policy support to:

• Implement reforms aligned with EU labour directives and ILO conventions;

• Enhance occupational safety, equality, and non-discrimination;

• Promote decent work for all, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and

• Strengthen labour market institutions as pillars of democracy and good governance.

The project will also contribute to broader EU-supported initiatives for Ukraine, including efforts to modernize vocational education, empower women entrepreneurs, and support economic inclusion for internally displaced people.

A Partnership Rooted in Social Justice

The new collaboration builds on decades of ILO technical cooperation in Ukraine and the EU's long-standing support for social protection and human rights. It underscores a shared belief that sustainable recovery must be people-centred, with a strong foundation in fairness, equality, and participation.

As Ukraine continues to advance its reform and reconstruction agenda, the EU–ILO partnership will remain a cornerstone for building a labour market that reflects European values — inclusive, competitive, and resilient.

"This initiative is about more than recovery — it's about renewal," said Ambassador Mathernová. "By investing in people and institutions, we are investing in Ukraine's European future."