On Thursday, 10 October, in Kyiv, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, met with Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Nicolas Schmit, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights. Rémi Duflot, Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, also took part in the meeting.
The meeting was aimed at discussing strategic issues of Ukraine’s European integration and improving Ukrainian legislation in line with EU standards, in particular in the area of employment.
Olha Stefanishyna expressed her gratitude for the visit and support of Ukraine during the ongoing full-scale war, noting that despite the war, the country continued to be a reliable partner and fulfil its commitments, including those necessary for full EU membership.
“Ukraine has a very active labour market, which, among other things, ensures the functioning of the country’s economy, which has been resisting russia’s full-scale aggression for almost three years. At the same time, we are now at the stage where specific legislative changes need to be made. This requires closer cooperation with our European partners and international organisations. That is why your visit today is very important for us. It is a clear signal that our international partners support us at every step to ensure the sustainability of our transformations and the development of the labour market. All of these are important elements of our future victory and Ukraine’s membership in the EU,” Olha Stefanishyna said.
The participants agreed on the importance of deepening cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the ILO in the negotiation process, as well as on the practical aspects of adapting Ukrainian legislation, in particular on working conditions, social protection and labour rights. Olha Stefanishyna emphasised that the ILO’s expertise was essential to ensure the transparency and effectiveness of the process.
“We have already ratified 72 ILO conventions. Some of these commitments are already obligations under the current Association Agreement with the EU. Your analytics, experience and knowledge could help us to balance the discussion with the EU and strengthen this expert and data-driven process,” said Olha Stefanishyna.
She also emphasised the importance of engaging independent experts to thoroughly analyse the current legislative changes and develop optimal solutions. “It’s not just about adapting Ukrainian legislation to European standards, but also about making it clear to businesses and citizens. Any new regulation, especially if it becomes more stringent, requires broad support and clarification from the expert community,” she said.
ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts towards European integration and offered the organisation’s assistance. EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, stressed the importance of engaging the expert community and international partners at every stage of the process to ensure maximum transparency.
The Deputy Prime Minister also informed her counterparts about the successful course of the third round of bilateral meetings between Ukraine and the EU in Brussels as part of the screening process.
European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo congratulated Ukraine on the full opening of the EU accession negotiations and the active course of bilateral meetings. They assured the Deputy Prime Minister that they would continue to support Ukraine on its path to full membership in the European Union.