European Commission 2024 Enlargement Report on Ukraine

On October 30, the European Commission released its 2024 enlargement reports, which offer a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the countries seeking to join the European Union. The reports also provide guidance on key reform priorities for each country.

According to the report, “Ukraine remains at an early stage of preparation in the field of social policy and employment and limited progress has taken place. The Commission’s recommendations from last year were only partially met and remain valid.” 

In the context of labor law reform in Ukraine, EU experts state that significant shortcomings in the legislation still need to be addressed to modernize it with genuine social partner involvement and bring it in line with the EU acquis. The EU acquis should also be a guideline for strengthening labor inspection in Ukraine, which faces lasting underfunding and high staff turnover. 

EU experts were brief regarding informal employment, just mentioning that there was no progress in combating it in Ukraine. 

The current national legal framework on occupational safety and health at work (OSH) needs substantial improvement. As a first step, Ukraine should adopt legislation aligning with the OSH Framework Directive 89/391/EEC. 

On social dialogue, the National Tripartite Social and Economic Council did not hold any physical meetings during the reporting period, and there were no systematic consultations between the government and social partners. Strengthening the capacities of social partners needs to be stepped up.

More comments on social policy and employment in Ukraine can be read in Chapter 19 of the Report.