Events of European trade-union and institutional life

From 18 to 21 November, a delegation of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU) carried out a working visit to Brussels, taking part in key events of European trade-union and institutional life. The delegation included FPU Chairman Serhiy Byzov, his Deputy Ihor Moskalenko, Chair of the Trade Union of Consumer Cooperation of Ukraine Iryna Lopushanska, and Head of the FPU International Relations Department Vasyl Shylov.
On the first day of the visit, an in-depth discussion took place with representatives of two key departments of the European Commission — the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood and the Directorate-General for Employment. The meeting enabled a thorough analysis of the state of labour rights and social dialogue in Ukraine.

The main topics discussed were the results of the bilateral screening under Chapter 19 «Social Policy and Employment», as well as the European Commission’s working document «Ukraine 2025: Report». The Ukrainian side emphasised that these materials are important milestones for further updating social and labour legislation. The trade unions stressed the importance of building a development model that places workers at the centre and ensures reliable protection of labour rights, and highlighted that labour-law reform must take place through full-fledged negotiations with all social partners, particularly through the imminent launch of the renewed National Tripartite Social and Economic Council (NTSEC).

The Ukrainian delegation took part in the meetings of the Executive Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Pan-European Regional Council (PERC). These two bodies coordinate the trade-union movement at the continental level and shape strategic approaches to the development of labour standards and the protection of workers’ rights.

During the meetings, a strategic discussion was held on creating quality jobs for all, as this is a key tool for ensuring fairness in the labour market, and without it neither sustainable growth nor social cohesion can be achieved.
The ETUC has set itself the task of developing a new, ambitious programme of action focused on strong trade unions, collective bargaining, social dialogue, decent work, and social justice in every sector and country. It was also noted that Ukrainian trade unions, including the FPU, can play a key role in shaping modern occupational-safety standards, as well as in establishing systematic monitoring and quality control of public services. This is especially important in the context of ecological transformation and the implementation of large-scale investment projects, where transparency, accountability, and workers’ rights protection are essential.
Throughout all the meetings, members of the delegation actively contributed to the discussions of pressing issues, drawing particular attention to the devastating consequences of russian aggression against Ukraine. The delegation stressed that post-war recovery requires strengthening social dialogue, ensuring labour rights, and expanding international support.

The visit to Brussels became an important step in strengthening cooperation with European trade-union structures and EU institutions. It confirmed that Ukrainian trade unions are actively integrating into the European social space, defending workers’ interests at the highest international level.