The Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the plan, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy.
Initiating the Preparatory Stage
This move marks the beginning of Ukraine's preparatory phase for joining the European employment structure, aligning with the recommendations presented in the European Commission's 2023 EU Enlargement Package Progress Report on Ukraine.
"The approved plan is an important step towards integration into the European labor market and the introduction of free movement of workers. The preparatory measures provided for in the plan are aimed at laying the groundwork for joining EURES," the ministry's statement read.
Key Focus Areas
The Action Plan involves several critical initiatives:
- Assessing Compatibility: Studying how Ukrainian systems and structures can align with EURES requirements.
- Regulatory Implementation: Enacting regulations that will enable Ukraine to interact effectively with European labor force databases.
- Learning from Experience: Analyzing the integration processes of countries like Poland and Croatia, which have recently joined EURES.
About EURES
EURES supports the free movement of labor across 31 EU and European Economic Area countries. The platform hosts over 4 million job vacancies and serves as a convenient and efficient resource for employers and job seekers throughout Europe.
Addressing Challenges
To ensure effective integration into the EURES network, Ukraine will need to:
- Align Professional Classifications: Ensure that the national classification of professions complies with international and European norms and standards.
- Define the Role of Intermediaries: Clarify the functions of labor market intermediaries.
- Expand Coverage: Include education seekers and trainees within the EURES network.
Rapid Integration of Ukrainian Refugees
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukrainian refugees are integrating into EU labor markets much faster than previous waves of migrants. This trend underscores the importance of Ukraine's efforts to harmonize its employment systems with those of the European Union.
