Ukraine and Germany Sign Joint Declaration on Partnership in Social Policy

During a working visit to Germany, Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity, Denys Uliutin, held a meeting with Germany’s Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Bärbel Bas.

The parties signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Institutional Partnership in Social Policy. The document provides for expanded cooperation, particularly in the areas of social protection and support for persons with disabilities.

The meeting continued prior dialogue on deepening cooperation in pensions, rehabilitation, social services, and employment, with a focus on the employment of persons with disabilities and fostering their economic participation.

“We are reforming our approach to employment policy for persons with disabilities, including improving the implementation of employment quotas to make them more practical for employers,” said Denys Uliutin.

Under the current model, employers either hire persons with disabilities or contribute to a support system.

“We are also expanding reskilling programmes to help people enter new professions and remain competitive in the labour market,” he added.

In this context, the Minister highlighted the CyberBee project, launched by the Ministry together with the SHERIFF Cyber Academy, which will fund cybersecurity training for 2,000 persons with disabilities, including veterans with amputations, with guaranteed employment upon completion.

For her part, Bärbel Bas noted that combining training in promising fields with subsequent employment not only develops skilled professionals but also ensures the efficiency of public investment.

The parties also discussed Ukraine’s ongoing pension reform, with final calculations being prepared jointly with international partners to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

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