European integration of the labor market: Ukraine approaches membership of the EURES network

Ukraine is taking another important step towards integrating its labor market into the European space. A coordination meeting was held in Bratislava to discuss Ukraine's preparations for joining the European Employment Services (EURES) network and possible cooperation between the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the European Labor Authority (ELA).

The event brought together Daria Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Yulia Zhovtyak, Director of the State Employment Center, Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labor Authority (ELA), as well as representatives of ELA, GIZ Ukraine, and EURES national contact offices. During the meeting, the parties confirmed Ukraine's readiness for further institutional and regulatory integration with the European Union in the field of labor mobility and employment services.

"Ukraine's future integration into the European Employment Services (EURES) network is a strategic step towards closer cooperation with the European labor market and better opportunities for Ukrainian citizens. This process will contribute to the modernisation of employment services and the creation of new opportunities for both employees and employers," said Daria Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The European Employment Services network plays a key role in ensuring that people across the European Union — and, once the accession process is complete, in Ukraine too — have equal access to fair employment opportunities and the same labor rights, wherever they work. The network not only supports worker mobility, but also helps countries provide information on employment and social protection standards. In the future, EURES could also play an important role in supporting return processes, ensuring that mobility works in both directions — always with respect for people's rights and dignity," emphasized Cosmin Boiangiu, Executive Director of the European Labor Authority.

During the meeting, participants discussed the legal, organizational, and digital aspects necessary for Ukraine's integration into the EURES network, in particular the creation of a National Contact Point and the harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with relevant EU labor standards.

Cooperation in this area contributes to strengthening institutional capacity, increasing transparency, and creating a more dynamic and competitive labor market in Ukraine. It also brings our country closer to European practices and values through real partnership and exchange of experience.

A coordination meeting on Ukraine's preparation for accession to the European Employment Services (EURES) network was held with the support of the German Government and implemented by GIZ Ukraine as part of the REYOIN project "Promotion of Socio-Economic Integration of Returnees, Internally Displaced Persons, and Host Communities in Ukraine."