On 28 July 2026, a Territorial Agreement for 2026–2028 was signed in Lutsk between the Volyn Regional Military Administration, the Volyn Regional Association of Employers' Organizations, and the Federation of Trade Unions of Volyn Oblast. The signing of the Agreement marks the restoration of tripartite social dialogue in the region after a break of several years.
The Agreement is the result of the joint efforts of the social dialogue partners, with the support of the Council of Europe through the grant project "Volyn: social dialogue that works", implemented by the Association of Local Self-Government Bodies of Volyn Oblast "Volyn Economic League" in partnership with the Department of the National Mediation and Conciliation Service in Volyn Oblast.
The initiative aims to strengthen effective social dialogue in Volyn Oblast in line with the standards of the European Social Charter
Social dialogue is a fundamental principle of the European Social Charter and a key component of the European social model.
By re-establishing a structured framework for cooperation between public authorities, employers, and trade unions, the Agreement will support the development of balanced social and labour policies in Volyn Oblast in line with European standards and contribute to Ukraine's European integration process.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Volyn Regional Military Administration, the National Mediation and Conciliation Service, the Council of Europe, the Association of Local Self-Government Bodies of Volyn Oblast "Volyn Economic League", the Volyn Regional Association of Employers' Organizations, the Federation of Trade Unions of Volyn Oblast, the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine.
The experience of Volyn Oblast is expected to serve as a model for strengthening social dialogue in other regions of Ukraine. As part of the grant project, practical recommendations and methodological materials will be developed to support the replication of this approach across the country.
The Council of Europe Project "Strengthening the social dimension in Ukraine" is implemented by the Council of Europe within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026. The Project aims to ensure that general public and people from vulnerable groups, including war-affected population in Ukraine, benefit from targeted social protection and support.
