On December 12, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the Better Regulation Delivery Office and GIZ Ukraine, convened a pivotal conference titled “The Future of Ukraine’s Labour Market. Employment Strategy 2030.” The event, held under the shadow of war, underscored the critical role of labor market reforms in the country’s economic recovery. Representatives from Denmark, Germany, and the European Union lent their voices to this ambitious initiative, which forms a cornerstone of Ukraine’s broader Ukraine Facility Plan 2030.
Danish Minister of Employment Køre Dybvad Bek lauded Ukraine’s resolve to chart a long-term employment strategy despite the harrowing realities of war. “With daily bombings, power outages, and uncertainty, your ability to draft a 2030 employment strategy is nothing short of remarkable,” he remarked. Bek drew parallels between the resilience of Ukrainians at home and those seeking refuge abroad, emphasizing their shared need for an inclusive labor market that guarantees fair and safe working conditions. He highlighted Denmark’s model of social dialogue as a potential blueprint for Ukraine, stressing the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, businesses, and trade unions. Denmark, he assured, remains committed to providing military, humanitarian, and technical assistance to support Ukraine’s aspirations for a modern, competitive labor force.
Germany’s Deputy Ambassador Maximilian Rasch painted a sobering picture of the challenges facing Ukraine’s labor market. The Russian invasion, he noted, has disrupted every facet of life, from employment to economic security. With rising unemployment and a growing demand for digital, technical, and managerial skills, Ukraine’s economy is being reshaped by digitalization, the green transition, and its path toward European integration. Germany, Rasch affirmed, stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to support its recovery.
Benoît Ménard, a senior official at the European Commission, emphasized the strategic importance of the Employment Strategy 2030 within the EU’s enlargement framework. He highlighted the war’s profound impact on Ukraine’s labor market, including widespread displacement, business closures, and skill mismatches. “Without the right skills, there will be no reconstruction of Ukrainian cities,” Ménard warned, pointing to the need for retraining and better labor market forecasting. The EU, he added, has already provided over $193 billion in humanitarian, economic, and military aid, with a significant portion aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of Ukraine’s workforce.
The conference concluded with a resounding call for unity among the government, businesses, civil society, and international partners to implement the Employment Strategy 2030. This collaborative effort, speakers agreed, will be instrumental in unlocking Ukraine’s potential and driving its postwar recovery.
As Ukraine stands at the crossroads of rebuilding and reform, its labor market emerges as a linchpin for the nation’s future. The success of these reforms will not only determine the pace of economic recovery but also the resilience of a nation determined to rebuild itself from the ashes of war.