The European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have launched a landmark partnership to modernize Ukraine’s labour market, strengthen social dialogue, and advance youth employment through the Youth Guarantee initiative. The project, titled “Promoting Inclusive Labour Market Governance Reform in Support of Ukraine’s Reconstruction and EU Accession,” will run for 36 months from October 15, 2025, to October 14, 2028, with a total budget of EUR 3.8 million, including an EU contribution of EUR 3.5 million.
The initiative aims to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery and EU integration by creating a more inclusive and resilient labour market. EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová, highlighted that the project empowers workers, strengthens institutions, and ensures that women, youth, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and veterans can fully participate in the reconstruction process. It emphasizes adherence to European and international labour standards while promoting effective social dialogue.
The ILO underscores the importance of this initiative in addressing Ukraine’s structural labour market challenges. With an estimated need for an additional 8.7 million workers for reconstruction, the project focuses on strengthening social dialogue through the National Tripartite Social and Economic Council, reforming labour laws in line with EU and international standards, building institutional capacity, supporting strategic policy development, and advancing the Youth Guarantee Plan to enhance youth employability.
Over the three-year period, the project is expected to enhance tripartite social dialogue, strengthen labour market institutions, ensure compliance with national labour laws, and align policies with EU accession Chapters 2 and 19. It will also promote inclusive employment practices, particularly for women, youth, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and war veterans.
The project involves close cooperation with key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Economy, State Employment Services, Ministry of Youth and Sports, trade unions, and employers’ organizations. By aligning labour market reforms with EU standards, the initiative aims to reduce inequalities, improve employment outcomes, and foster a resilient, inclusive, and dynamic labour market to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, growth, and social development objectives.
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