The International Labour Organisation has launched a single biggest project to promote jobs in South-Eastern Europe. This project brings together businesses, schools, employment services, the social partners and other civil society organizations to create jobs for youth, women and people in rural areas. The programme is funded by the Government of Denmark with US$8.6 million under the Danish Neighbourhood Programme (DANEP).
The programme builds on the development of local networks and partnerships since they are in the best position to address the employment challenges of their own communities. The project will also bring on board the Danish social partners who will make available their expertise to employer organizations and trade unions in Ukraine.
In Ukraine jobs are scarce, with youth, women and people living in rural areas disproportionately affected. A high percentage of Ukrainians are in informal or undeclared work: the informal economy represents 25 per cent of the country’s GDP.