Denys Uliutin at EU Ministers’ Meeting: Social Protection Is a Vital Tool for Protecting People, Their Dignity and Resilience

Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin participated in the meeting of EU Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO) in Ireland, dedicated to addressing poverty, social exclusion, and employment challenges. Speaking on a day when russia once again launched attacks against Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, and other Ukrainian cities, the Minister stressed that social protection during wartime is far more than a public policy issue – it is a vital instrument for protecting people’s lives, dignity, and resilience.

The Minister noted that the war has reinforced the multidimensional nature of poverty. It is rarely caused by low income alone and is often the result of a combination of housing loss, unemployment, disability, forced displacement, trauma, and limited access to essential services. Against this backdrop, Ukraine is building a more integrated and people-centred social protection system. A key element of this transformation is the introduction of Basic Social Assistance, which will combine financial support with employment services, skills development, childcare, education, social services, and professional case management.

Denys Uliutin also highlighted the importance of developing a social rental housing model as a long-term solution for people who have lost their homes due to the war or have been forced to leave their communities. The approach is designed to help households regain stability, rebuild their independence, and re-enter economic and community life.

During the discussion, the Minister presented the Humanitarian and Resilience Account, an innovative mechanism that enables international humanitarian resources to be delivered through Ukraine’s national social protection system. The mechanism allows for the efficient provision of emergency cash assistance, temporary accommodation, support for vulnerable households, and the restoration of social infrastructure, while creating a bridge between humanitarian response and long-term recovery.

“For us, social policy is no longer only about compensating for losses or managing vulnerability. It’s an investment in human capital,” – Denys Uliutin emphasized.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister held bilateral discussions with @Dara Calleary, Ireland’s Minister for Social Protection, and @Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business, Retail and the Circular Economy. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of social policy, including in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.

The EPSCO meeting was among the first major events held under Ireland’s Presidency of the @Council of the European Union. This year’s discussions focused on coordinating European efforts to combat poverty, promote social inclusion, and strengthen labour market participation across the EU.

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