From reception to reconstruction – New study by the European Policy Centre and CESI

As the war in Ukraine continues, over 4 million displaced Ukrainians remain in the European Union under temporary protection.

A new study, From Reception to Reconstruction, published today by the European Policy Centre (EPC), in collaboration with CESI and in the context of the EU-funded Activer project, sheds light on the evolving labour inclusion of these individuals—and the crucial role of multi-stakeholder networks, including trade unions.

The Policy Brief highlights the need for ‘dual intent’ integration strategies, which support both the long-term socio-economic inclusion of Ukrainians in the EU and their potential future return to help rebuild Ukraine. It focuses on Germany, Italy and Poland, where CESI affiliates and social partners have actively contributed to skills development, training agreements and job integration.

Among its key messages:

• Labour market participation varies across countries, with persistent challenges such as underemployment, qualification recognition, and gender-based barriers—as 65% of the displaced population are working-age women.
• While some national public employment services have adapted quickly, the most sustainable responses have come from networks of inclusion actors: civil society organisations, diaspora groups, local authorities and trade unions.
• CESI-affiliated unions in Italy and Poland have facilitated training agreements, labour rights awareness, and public sector integration, helping bridge the gap between short-term reception and long-term reconstruction.

The report warns, however, that shrinking financial support and limited coordination risk undermining these efforts, just as the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is under negotiation.

CESI welcomes the report's findings and fully supports its recommendations:

• Expand stakeholder platforms like the European Partnership for Integration
• Sustain flexible, long-term EU funding for labour market inclusion
• Recognise trade unions as essential actors in labour market access and reconstruction planning
• Strengthen recognition of skills and qualifications, with a focus on women

Especially the role of unions in co-designing and helping implementing active labour market policies is the leading thread of the Activer project.

🔗 Read the full study here

‍