ILO and Ukraine: A new chapter in institutional partnership

Host country agreement

ILO and Ukraine: A new chapter in institutional partnership

Building on the establishment of the ILO Office in Kyiv in 2024, the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities, the Host country Agreement paves the way to scale up ILO support in Ukraine, focusing on labour market development, social protection, entrepreneurship and social dialogue.

29 April 2026

Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and Aida Lindmeier, Director of ILO Country Office Ukraine after signing a host country agreement in Kyiv on 28 April, 2026.

KYIV (ILO News) - The Government of Ukraine and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed an Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities granted to the ILO and its Office in Ukraine, enabling expanded support for the country's labour market and recovery.

The Agreement was signed by Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, in the presence of Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Office in Ukraine. The signed documents will be transmitted to Peter van Rooij, Regional Director of the ILO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, for final signature.

Although the ILO has been working in Ukraine for many years, supporting its tripartite constituents-government, employers' and workers' organizations-the establishment of the ILO Office in Kyiv in early 2024 marked a significant step in strengthening engagement in the country. The Agreement formalizes this presence and establishes the legal framework for ILO operations in Ukraine, enhancing its capacity to deliver technical and programmatic support.

Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, said the ILO is an important partner for Ukraine in the areas of decent work, workplace safety, social dialogue, and the alignment of labour legislation with international standards.

The signing of this Agreement strengthens our cooperation in labour, employment, and occupational safety, including through expert support for labour law reform, skills development, and modern safety standards.

Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine

"The signing of this Agreement strengthens our cooperation in labour, employment, and occupational safety, including through expert support for labour law reform, skills development, and modern safety standards," Sobolev said.

The Agreement paves the way for scaling up ILO initiatives in Ukraine, with a particular focus on labour market development, social protection, entrepreneurship support, and the advancement of social dialogue.

Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Office in Ukraine, said the Agreement reaffirms the ILO's long-term commitment to Ukraine and strengthens its presence on the ground.

The Document creates a stronger platform for the upcoming Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine, by expanding our ability to provide expert and technical assistance to tripartite constituents.

Aida Lindmeier, ILO Ukraine Country Office Director

"The Document creates a stronger platform for the upcoming Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine, by expanding our ability to provide expert and technical assistance to tripartite constituents. Most importantly, it reinforces our contribution to labour market recovery, social dialogue and economic recovery through decent work," Lindmeier said.

The Agreement was signed on World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on 28 April in more than 100 countries worldwide. The ILO's Decent Work Country Programme for Ukraine is expected to be signed at the International Labour Conference in June in Geneva, further expanding the Organization's portfolio in the country.