Ukraine
We stand with Ukraine
Together with the European Union and its Member States, we express full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. We strongly condemn Russia's unprovoked military aggression, which violates international law and threatens global security.
The European Training Foundation (ETF) has been a long-standing partner of Ukraine, providing over 30 years of support through expertise, policy advice and capacity-building in skills development and employment. As a priority country, Ukraine benefits from agile, targeted actions delivered by the ETF's dedicated Ukrainian Task Force. By working closely with Ukrainian stakeholders, the European Commission, EU member states and international partners, the ETF is helping Ukraine build a resilient, future-ready society aligned with European values.
ETF Ukrainian Task Force: Strategic priorities for 2025
In line with Ukraine's national reform agenda, the ETF's work is organised around two core support packages, building on the emergency response initiated in 2022:
- Reconstruction and recovery - to support the modernisation of education, training and employment systems to build a resilient skills ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth
- Ukraine's EU accession - to support Ukraine's candidacy efforts with targeted policy advice aligned with EU standards and priorities, including those outlined in the Union of Skills Communication.
Policy reforms: Governance and partnerships
The ETF promotes a multi-level governance approach to lifelong learning, working primarily with national authorities while fostering stronger engagement at the local level. The ETF helps develop forward-looking strategies to meet emerging skills needs and promote inclusive, coherent policy frameworks. This includes strengthening the role of local authorities and civil society organisations, especially in areas such as non-formal training, reskilling and adult learning.
Partnerships, too, are instrumental in driving progress in education, employment and skills frameworks. Through close collaboration with EU Member States and international development partners, the ETF is supporting preparatory steps towards a new Team Europe Initiative for Ukraine.
Robust evidence to inform policymaking: Monitoring and assessment
Evidence-based analysis is essential for setting policy priorities and guiding investment in human capital development. Ukraine actively participates in the ETF's Torino Process, a policy learning tool that supports the assessment of vocational education and training (VET) systems using national data. Additionally, the ETF's annual report on Education, Training and Employment in Ukraine provides a comprehensive analysis of key developments and is bolstered by regular reporting on the impact of the ongoing conflict on human capital.
To support national and international institutions, the ETF regularly collects and shares data on education, skills and employment, particularly in relation to Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs). Tools, such as the ETF Online Job Vacancies Platform and Working and Learning in Ukraine surveys, offer valuable insights into labour market dynamics and workforce resilience. The ETF is also exploring the evolving platform economy through collaboration with Eurofound and the European Labour Authority.
Relevant and future-proofed education and training programmes
Through the EU-funded programme, Supporting Education Reforms and Skills in Eastern Partnership Countries, the strengthening of governance and institutional capacity is helping to transform Ukraine's education system.
Improving teacher competences is a core focus. The ETF offers online training through the EU Academy platform and its own Scaffold tool, with one course already piloted in 120 schools. A second course, launching in 2026, will focus on formative assessment via the ETF's FormA online tool. Digital transformation is also a priority, supported through the EU's Selfie for Teachers tool, which helps educators build digital competences while providing data to inform digital education reforms.
To support the modernisation of Ukraine's VET system, the ETF contributes to legislative reform and helps optimise the school network and strengthen data systems. It plays a key role in promoting dual and work-based learning by fostering Ukraine's engagement with the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), and in advancing vocational excellence by helping establish Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). These centres drive innovation and the development of green and digital skills through collaboration among training providers, employers and regional stakeholders. Progress is further supported by the ETF's Network for Excellence (ENE), which facilitates peer learning and continuous improvement across VET systems.
Pathways to inclusive employment and competitiveness
To meet labour market demands and support Ukraine's post-war recovery, the ETF is advancing integrated skills development and industry collaboration. Key sectors include renewable energy, construction, agriculture, AI, defence and critical raw materials. These initiatives, implemented with EU Member States, also support Ukraine's regulatory alignment with EU standards.
The ETF works with Ukraine to expand inclusive pathways to employment, focusing particularly on young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and individuals with disabilities. In collaboration with the European Commission, the ILO and EU Member States, it contributes to the rollout of a national Youth Guarantee scheme, enabling Ukraine to draw on successful models through its Knowledge Sharing Programme. The provision of policy advice and methodological input to modernise career guidance is helping to finalise the national Career Guidance Concept, enhancing delivery mechanisms for broader impact. Aligned with the EU Disability Employment Package, assistance is given to improve the labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities through policy mapping and the promotion of inclusive employment and skills development practices.
A flexible, transparent qualifications system driving skills development policies
The ETF is supporting the alignment of Ukraine's qualifications with European frameworks, including the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) framework and the European Qualifications Framework. In 2025, it will lead a national mapping of adult learning provision and contribute to the design of key tools such as Individual Learning Accounts and Micro-credentials. Another area of support focuses on the adoption of Ukraine's new Law on Adult Education and Learning, helping expand access to upskilling and improve quality standards.
Looking ahead
As Ukraine moves forward on its path to EU integration, the ETF remains a committed partner in fostering a resilient society grounded in opportunity and inclusion. In collaboration with Ukrainian stakeholders, EU Member States and international partners, the ETF will continue to contribute to human capital development and drive reforms in education and the labour market, helping to shape a shared European future built on skills and equity.
The ETF is a key partner in the Skills Alliance launched at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2024, and alongside the European Commission, will actively contribute to the URC 2025 in Rome on 10-11 July.