EU expert assistance intensifying in reforming social area in focus

Deputy Minister of Social Policy on European Integration Serhii Ustymenko had a meeting with a member of the Support Group for Ukraine of the European Commission Jose Roman Leon Lora. The Ukrainian official informed his interlocutor on the results of implementation in 2015 of the European integration commitments by the Ministry of Social Policy stipulated for by the Action Plan on the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU for 2014-2017.

Having informed about the developments in the process of introduction into national law of EU directives in labor law and gender equality, experts of the Ministry stressed the need for obtaining further expert advice. To prepare for the implementation of the European directives, in particular, regarding the organizing of working time and ensuring equal opportunities in the sphere of labour and employment, it is crucial to carry out preparatory activities by applying experience of other EU member countries, specialists of the Ministry of Social Policy believe.

In turn, Mr. Jose Lora assured of readiness to help attract practical expert support in the framework of the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) Instrument.

Moreover, representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy briefed about the changes in the Ukrainian legislation concerning internally displaced persons and the implementation of social assistance programmes aimed at reimbursement of the cost of energy.

The parties agreed on further cooperation in solving issues of social development of Ukraine and deepening of the European integration of our state.