Ukraine and the Council of Europe strengthen cooperation to advance social reforms and support vulnerable groups

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin met with the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, Maciej Janczak. The discussion focused on partnership priorities, the key areas in the social sphere that Ukraine and European partners will concentrate on within the implementation of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, recovery, reconstruction” for 2023-2026. Representatives of the Council of Europe noted that they are currently working on a nextnew Action Plan for Ukraine starting from 2027.

A key topic of the meeting was the development of the Social Code of Ukraine. A document designed to make the social protection system clearer, more transparent, less fragmented and more fairer for citizens. It will introduce a new “social contract” between the state and its people: outlining who is entitled to which types of support, how to access them, and what guarantees the state provides.

The Council of Europe confirmed its readiness to provide expert support in developing and aligning the Social Code with European standards.

“The Social Code will help people clearly understand what support they can rely on and how to receive it. This is a transition to a modern system where people and their needs are at the centre. We are grateful to the Council of Europe for its partnership and expert assistance, which helps us move confidently toward comprehensive transformation of the social sphere,” – said Denys Uliutin, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

The meeting also addressed continued support for people with disabilities, internally displaced persons and people affected by the war, including protecting their housing rights. It touched upon the implementation of the Istanbul Convention to combat violence against women. Particular attention was paid to strengthening psychological and social support for veterans and military personnel, as well as children who have experienced trauma, including improving child-friendly justice mechanisms.

Another key direction of cooperation is the development of effective state policies to support the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainians who have been living abroad.

“The Council of Europe firmly stands with Ukraine in these challenging times. We value the fruitful co-operation with the Ministry within the current Council Europe Action Plan for Ukraine. We are pleased to continue our close partnership in supporting social policy reforms, protecting internally displaced persons and the war-affected population, combating violence against women, safeguarding the rights of veterans and military personnel, and upholding the rights of Ukrainian children in accordance with the Council of Europe’s standards,” said Maciej Janczak, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine. He also highlighted that the development of the next Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine will start shortly and encouraged the Ministry to reflect on the priority areas for future cooperation in this framework.

The partners agreed to continue working together on social reforms, expanding support for vulnerable groups, and building a system that serves people, especially in the context of war.