The Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine for 2026–2029 is aimed at creating productive employment, developing human capital and skills, supporting business, strengthening social dialogue, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, and expanding opportunities for people facing additional barriers in the labour market.
This includes, in particular, veterans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, youth, persons with disabilities, older people, and other groups requiring targeted support to return to or enter employment.
A particular emphasis of the Programme is placed on supporting reforms in the field of labour and employment. It will serve as an important instrument for coordination between national policies and international support, including on issues of modernisation of labour legislation, development of labour market institutions, support for entrepreneurship, vocational training, and reskilling.
The Ministry emphasises that the implementation of the Programme will also contribute to advancing Ukraine on its path to European Union membership through alignment with international labour standards and European labour practices.
The Programme is the result of tripartite social dialogue between the state, employers, and trade unions. This approach is key to forming a balanced policy that takes into account the interests of workers, business, and the state. One of the key priorities of this work is the new Labour Code, which has already been submitted to parliament and is intended to serve as the foundation for modern regulation of labour relations.
The Programme defines the framework for cooperation between the ILO, the Government of Ukraine, and employers’ and workers’ organisations for the next four years. The implementation of the envisaged measures requires the mobilisation of approximately USD 70 million, part of which has already been secured through the support of international partners.
A separate step was the resumption of the work of the National Tripartite Social and Economic Council, which is the key platform for dialogue between the state, employers, and trade unions.
Employers’ representatives also expressed support for further strengthening of cooperation in the areas of employment, skills development, and modernisation of labour relations.
In the framework of cooperation with the ILO, Ukraine has already achieved important institutional results. In particular, the opening of the ILO Office in Ukraine and the signing of the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities have laid the foundation for expanding the partnership. The new Decent Work Country Programme continues this cooperation and places it within a medium-term framework for 2026–2029.
Among the key priorities of the Programme:
The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine will continue to cooperate with the ILO, social partners, and international organisations to implement the Decent Work Country Programme, support reforms, and create conditions for the sustainable recovery of the Ukrainian labour market.
