EU and ILO launch new initiative to support Ukraine’s labour market transformation

On 22 October, the European Union and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) signed a landmark partnership deal to support the modernisation of Ukraine’s labour market, strengthening social dialogue, and advancing youth employment through the preparations for the implementation of the Youth Guarantee initiative.

The project, ‘Promoting Inclusive Labour Market Governance Reform in Support of Ukraine’s Reconstruction and EU Accession’, will run until October 2028, with a total budget of €3.8 million and EU contribution of €3.5 million.

“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,” said Katarína Mathernová, Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine. “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 ILO estimates that Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts will require an additional 8.7 million workers to the labour market.

The project’s operations will include direct cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, State Employment Services, Ministry of Youth and Sports, trade unions, and employers’ organisations. Target beneficiaries include the active population, with a special focus on women, youth, internally displaced persons, returnees, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

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Press release