Ukraine Launches Initiative to Modernise the State Employment Service According to EU Standards 

The State Employment Service of Ukraine (SESU) is embarking on its participation in PES Benchlearning — a European methodology for the assessment and development of employment services. The initiative aims to modernise the Service’s operational approaches and align its activities with practices established across the European Union. This implementation marks a vital step in preparing the SESU for integration into the European Network of Public Employment Services (EU PES Network).

The full-scale war and profound shifts in the labour market are transforming the State Employment Service, as services must evolve to meet contemporary challenges. The updating of processes has been ongoing for nearly four years. This institutional modernisation ensures continuous improvement in the quality and accessibility of SESU services for citizens and businesses, including:

• faster and more precise job matching for seekers;
• enhanced support for retraining and skills development;
• more effective recruitment services for employers.

PES Benchlearning is a structured European methodology developed by the EU PES Network, combining:

1. Benchmarking — quantitative analysis and comparison of performance indicators;
2. Mutual Learning — the exchange of practices, innovations, and management solutions.

“For the State Employment Service, participating in the PES Benchlearning project is a milestone in our collective effort to strengthen institutional capacity and further align our approaches with European standards in employment policy. This will facilitate a systemic assessment of our current status, identifying both strengths and areas for further reinforcement, while introducing proven practices from other countries. It is an investment in the quality of services for Ukrainians seeking work and new opportunities, as well as for employers in need of professional talent,” noted Yuliya Zhovtyak, Director of the State Employment Service of Ukraine.

The implementation of PES Benchlearning will take place in several stages throughout 2026:

• Self-assessment — an in-depth internal analysis of all SESU workflows: from service delivery in employment centres to management decisions.
• External Assessment — visits by European experts and peers from EU Public Employment Services for independent evaluation and the formulation of modernisation recommendations.
• Thematic Learning Dialogues — a structured exchange of expertise with employment services from EU Member States.

Practical implementation of Benchlearning in Ukraine began with a series of joint events involving the State Employment Service and international partners. A kick-off methodology seminar and an offline meeting in Kyiv have already been held to align self-assessment approaches. The upcoming workshop will focus on preparing for external assessment involving international evaluators, following the methodology applied to PES across the EU.

The rollout of PES Benchlearning is an integral part of harmonising employment policy with EU approaches. It supports Ukraine’s commitment to the EU accession negotiation process, specifically regarding Chapter 2: “Freedom of Movement for Workers” and Chapter 19: “Social Policy and Employment”.

The preparation of modernisation proposals for the State Employment Service within this framework is mandated by the Employment Strategy of Ukraine for the period until 2030.

The project to support the capacity of the State Employment Service is carried out with the participation of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine within the PES Benchlearning initiative, facilitated by the German Government and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) as part of the “REJOIN” project — promoting the socio-economic integration of returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities in Ukraine.

Background:

PES Benchlearning is a cyclical process conducted in EU countries every three years. The fourth cycle, which began in 2024, is currently underway. The process is coordinated by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) and supported by the EU PES Network Secretariat.

The assessment methodology covers seven key areas of employment service activity and 25 performance factors, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of strategic management, organisational culture, service quality, and overall performance.