Brussels, 13 October 2022
On October 13 2022, representatives of the member states responsible for the employment agenda and social policy, European social partners and non-profit organizations met in the Prague Congress Center at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO). The main topic of discussion was the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, specifically the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labour market. The meeting will continue on 14 October and will focus on the impact of the energy crisis.
The war in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression has displaced millions of people who have found safety in many European countries. Member states provide refugees with accommodation, health care, and ensure they have access to the labour market or the education system. European countries also face other challenges in the field of social protection. Currently, the extent to which countries allow refugees to benefit from their national welfare systems is not united. There are differences in the range of benefits that can be provided to persons with temporary protection. In this context, the discussion focused on, among other things, whether the member states consider the current financial assistance of the EU to be sufficient and what forms of assistance they expect if the refugee crisis gets worse in the future.
For the next few months, the arrival of winter and Russia’s targeted attacks against civilian infrastructure can cause another wave of refugees. It is our task to prepare for this eventuality. Available resources are not unlimited.
Marian Jurečka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
The discussion also included examples of successful strategies and programs aimed at supporting people fleeing war and their integration into the labour market.
“Our mutual exchange of experiences is key. Each country coped with the Ukrainian refugees in its own way, which gives us a large number of examples of good and also less successful practice. Acquainting ourselves with both the good practice of our neighbors and dead ends can significantly help us in further progress on a strategic and practical level,” added Minister Jurečka.
In the Czech Republic, more than 440,000 people received temporary protection after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which is the highest ratio of refugees to population in comparison with other European countries.
Source – EU Council