The European trade movement, under the auspices of the European Trade Union Confederation, met with the Ukrainian trade union movement represented by FPU and KPU on 23 April 2024 in Lublin, Poland in the framework of the Trade Union Summit for Ukraine. Read the declaration here 

Letter of the European Trade Union Confederation in view of the European Council meeting on 29-30 June 2023 sent to Heads of State and Government

The European trade union movement, rejects the war and violence, condemns continuous aggression by Russian Federation against Ukraine and expresses full support and solidarity to Ukrainian people in their fight for democracy, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Working people always suffer in conflicts and the pursuit of peace is a fundamental trade union value. On 24 February 2022 Russian military forces invaded Ukraine, bringing destruction to peaceful cities and workplaces. It has been a year of shock and pain, devastating news and images, but also a year of bravery and consolidation of Ukrainian people and their unions and a year of solidarity, unity, and support.

The European Trade Union Confederation and its affiliates, Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine and Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, fully support Ukraine and its people in the fight for democracy and sovereignty against Russian aggression. That was a year of shock and pain, devastating news and images, but also a year of bravery and consolidation of Ukrainian people and their unions and a year of solidarity, unity and support.

Dear President of the European Commission Ms von der Leyen, Dear High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Mr Borrell, Dear President of the European Parliament Ms Metsola, Dear President of the European Council Mr Michel,

The ETUC regrets that EU membership remains closed to Georgia. Liina Carr, ETUC Confederal Secretary, speaking ahead of the EU-Georgia Association Council meeting this evening, said “The country has advanced much further in implementing the Association Agreement than other countries and Georgian people should not be held hostage to political games.

Last June, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and its members warmly welcomed the decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status. That is a long-time aspiration of Ukrainian workers who are sacrificing their lives, health and wellbeing in the fight for democracy and sovereignty against Russian aggression. Ukrainian trade unions are actively helping to deal with the humanitarian crisis provoked by it, while European and international trade union movement has mobilsed funds and solidarity aid for workers in Ukraine, but also to millions of refugees fleeing in EU countries.

The European Commission presented today its plan to reduce European gas demand  by 15% from 1 August to 31 March 2023. ETUC agrees that reducing energy consumption and encouraging energy savings is the most effective short term answer to the current emergency. Anticipating the challenges ahead and increasing coordination between Member States is also positive.

While the Ukrainian people bravely resist the Russian invasion and help displaced people, the Ukrainian Government and Parliament are using the war as an excuse to attack workers’ rights and unions – in blatant contradiction of the country’s aspirations to join the EU.

Dear President von der Leyen, Dear President Michel, Dear High Representative Borrell, Dear President Metsola, We welcome the recent decision to grant Ukraine EU candidate status. That is a long-time aspiration of Ukrainian workers who stood in the revolution of dignity and who now sacrifice their lives, health and wellbeing in the fight for democracy and sovereignty against Russian aggression.

Dear High Representative, The situation for independent trade unions in Belarus has seriously deteriorated. On 19 April 2022, the leadership of the Belarusian Congress of Trade Unions (BKDP) - the President of BKDP Aliaksandr Yarashuk, BKDP Vice-President Siarhei Antusevich, President of Free Trade Union of Metal Workers (SPM) Aliaksandr Bukhvostau, President of Free Trade Union of Belarus (SPB) Mikalaj Sharakh - were arrested.

ETUC condemns the arrest and detention yesterday in Belarus of at least fourteen leaders and representatives of the country’s independent trade union movement.

VTC Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment "A united tripartite response to the social and economic impact of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine" Opening speech of Luca Visentini, ETUC General Secretary (23 March 2022)  [To be checked against delivery] Esteemed authorities, Colleagues of the Social Partners,

Resolution on Ukraine Approved by the Executive Committee meeting 16-17 March 2022 The ETUC reiterates its condemnation of the invasion of a sovereign nation, in breach of international law and calls on Russia to respect Ukrainian territorial integrity, demands the immediate cessation of military operations, insists that Russian troops leave the country, and calls for dialogue and talks for peace be started. The ETUC expresses its solidarity with all people, workers, and trade unions of Ukraine. 

The ETUC launches a series of ‘Peace Watch’ briefing notes. They share information on the actions of trade unions, their agreements and the social dialogue outcomes aimed at solidarity actions for Ukraine; the rights, treatment and inclusion in Europe of people fleeing the conflict; and dealing with the impacts in the EU of the war and the sanctions on working people.

Commenting ahead of the Versailles meeting of EU leaders today, Luca Visentini, General Secretary of the ETUC said “What is most urgently needed now are initiatives to stop the war and relieve the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and emergency measures to reduce energy prices and to protect jobs and businesses.

Alongside Ukrainian trade unions already aiding victims of Putin’s war, unions across Europe have been acting in solidarity. In Poland, where thousands of Ukrainian refugees are already seeking shelter, the social partners joined together to oppose the “scandalous act of Russian aggression”, calling for “a firm and courageous response from the international community”.

ETUC Demonstation for Peace&Dialogue, Brussels, 24/02/2022 Speech by Luca Visentini, ETUC General Secretary "We face a tragedy, war is back to Europe with its worst face after decades. We condemn the Russian aggression against Ukrainian people and ask EU leaders gathering this evening to put in place all the measures needed to stop military operations and come back to dialogue for peace.

ETUC Demonstation for Peace&Dialogue, Brussels, 24/02/2022 Speech by Esther Lynch, ETUC Deputy General Secretary "Trade unions are always and everywhere against war We condemn the attacks on Ukraine. War is never in the interest of working people. Trade unions are always and everywhere For peace and dialogue    For peace and democracy For peace and justice   

The ITUC and the ETUC call for an immediate end to hostilities and conflict in eastern Ukraine, and good-faith negotiations to resolve the crisis in the interests of people.

Updated version adopted by the Executive Committee of 8-9 December The European trade union movement is extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis at the border of Poland and Belarus and calls for immediate EU action to ensure migrants’ fundamental rights are respected and their humanitarian needs are met.

Dear Grigori, delegates, guests, It is an honour to address the Congress of Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine. We have a long history of cooperation, within the PERC, but also directly with the ETUC and in the framework of the EU-Ukraine cooperation processes. Ukraine is an associated member of the EU through the Association agreement, it is an important EU trade and international partner, it nurtures EU aspirations, and these aspirations are welcome by the ETUC and PERC.

Adopted by the Executive Committee at the meeting of 22-23 March 2021 The ETUC is seriously concerned about the Russian government’s lack of respect of fundamental freedoms, following the harsh repression of public protests.

The EU-Georgia Association Council meeting on 16 March is called on to do more to advance workers’ rights and European values by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and Georgian Trade Union Confederation (GTUC). ETUC and GTUC point out that