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“Without the Right Skills, No Reconstruction”: EU and Global Partners Push for Ukraine’s Labor Market Reforms
On December 12 Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, together with the Better Regulation Delivery Office and GIZ Ukraine, hosted a conference titled “The Future of Ukraine’s Labour Market. Employment Strategy 2030. Partnership Between the State, Business and People for Economic Recovery.”
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During the event, officials from Denmark, Germany, and the EU expressed strong support for Ukraine’s labour market reforms as part of the broader strategic vision for the country’s economic recovery within the framework of the Ukraine Facility Plan 2030.
Danish Minister of Employment Køre Dybvad Bek praised Ukraine’s determination to plan long-term reforms despite wartime conditions.
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“With all that you are going through, the daily bombing, the power cuts, the uncertainty, I'm impressed that you have the stamina and the ambition to draw up a 2030 employment strategy. After more than 10 years, I can easily say that nobody can underestimate the determination and the strength of your people, who go out to work in a country of war.”
He compared this resilience to that of Ukrainian refugees abroad and said that they all deserve an inclusive labour market with fair, decent and safe working conditions.
Additionally, Bek described Denmark’s long-standing model of social dialogue and tripartite cooperation, noting that bringing together lawmakers, the business sector and trade unions is “an excellent step” for Ukraine. He reaffirmed that Denmark will continue military, humanitarian, civilian and technical support, aiming to help build “a more modern, flexible and competitive labor market.”
On his part, Germany’s Deputy Ambassador Maximilian Rasch highlighted the scale of the labour market challenges caused by Russia’s invasion, stating that it “has affected every aspect of life in Ukraine, including jobs, careers, and economic security for millions of people.”
Rasch noted ongoing unemployment pressures and persistent skill shortages, pointing out that “employers report growing demand for digital, technical and management skills while the economy is undergoing transformation driven by digitalization, the green transition and European integration.” He stressed that Germany “stands at the site of Ukraine and will do so in the future.”
Benoît Ménard, Head of Unit for Economic and Sectoral Policy at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, stressed that the Employment Strategy 2030 is a key deliverable under the Ukraine Plan and a priority in the EU’s enlargement reporting. He said the war has had “a twisted impact on the country's labor market,” citing displacement, business shutdowns and mobilisation, which have led to “high employment and skill mismatched.”
According to Ménard, retraining, re-qualification and improved labour market forecasting will be essential in the postwar period.
“Without the right skills, there will be no reconstructions of Ukrainian cities,” he said, pointing to productivity gaps and untapped opportunities.
He reaffirmed that the EU’s solidarity “remains unwavering,” noting that the EU and its member states have provided more than $193 billion in humanitarian, economic and military support.
“A sizable of the EU support is invested into people and to their daily needs. We will continue with this approach as the future of Ukraine depends on its people and the capacity to realize that talent,” he said.
The speakers emphasized that coordinated efforts between the state, business community, civil society and international partners will be crucial for implementing the Employment Strategy 2030 and driving Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine is prepared to offer employment opportunities at defense companies for its citizens living abroad and provide exemptions from potential military conscription.
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