Specifically, the workshop brought together stakeholders from the European Commission, national public employment services, trade unions, and Ukrainian diaspora organisations to explore how networks can be leveraged to provide durable solutions for refugees seeking employment in the EU.
It showcased how, with the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees extended to March 2026, uncertainty surrounding their long-term prospects remains a pressing issue. While legislative and operational efforts at both EU and national levels have promoted labour market access for refugees, structural barriers still hinder full inclusion. These include difficulties in recognising qualifications, accessing necessary socio-economic rights such as housing and childcare, and integrating into the job market in a manner that reflects their skills and aspirations.
The workshop aimed to address these challenges by examining the role of networks such as local authorities, public employment services (PES), social partners, and the Ukrainian diaspora in facilitating refugee labour market inclusion.
As key discussion points emerged:
- Job matching and skills recognition: A critical theme of the workshop was the effectiveness of job-matching efforts aimed at aligning refugees’ skills with labour market needs. Representatives from public employment services shared insights on employer incentives, skills development programmes and job placement services. While these initiatives have been instrumental in supporting refugees, gaps remain in ensuring that employment opportunities match the skills and qualifications of Ukrainians.
- Role of networks in short- and long-term assistance: Community networks, including the Ukrainian diaspora, have been central to advancing refugees’ self-reliance. These groups have not only provided access to essential services like training and language courses but have also played a pivotal role in job matching and psycho-social support. However, the workshop highlighted the need for a more coordinated approach, where local authorities, PES and social partners could work together more effectively to address both short-term integration and long-term employment prospects.
- Coordination and resource allocation: One of the workshop’s key takeaways was the challenge of coordination between various networks and levels of governance. Speakers pointed out that unclear delineation of responsibilities between local, national, and EU actors has led to fragmented efforts and duplicated services, which diminish the overall impact of integration policies. Additionally, the allocation of resources, particularly EU funding for skills development and employment services, has not always been accessible to local authorities and community networks, further complicating the inclusion process.
The workshop also explored the concept of so-called ‘dual intent’ policies, which focus on providing refugees with pathways to either remain in the EU workforce or return to Ukraine when conditions permit. Representatives from the Ukrainian diaspora emphasised the importance of maintaining strong links between EU-based networks and their Ukrainian counterparts to support potential return and reintegration efforts. These policies would enable refugees to gain valuable skills and experience in the EU while preparing them for eventual contributions to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
As the war in Ukraine continues and long-term solutions for refugees become more urgent, the workshop underscored the need for enhanced coordination and targeted support. Recommendations included the establishment of clearer frameworks for collaboration between networks, more accessible funding mechanisms for local and community actors, and policies that address both immediate integration needs and future reintegration into Ukraine. The discussion concluded with a call for the EU to take a more active role in supporting these networks, particularly through improved coordination and the creation of sustainable employment pathways for refugees.
By promoting better collaboration and leveraging the strengths of existing networks, the EPC-CESI workshop highlighted the potential for durable solutions that can offer Ukrainian refugees a future of self-sufficiency, whether within the EU or in their eventual return to Ukraine.
