On October 31, 2014 at the premises of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine the second steering committee meeting and the closure meeting for the Twinning Light Project “Approximation of the Ukrainian legislation to the EU norms and standards in the area of vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities” was held. The Project is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain. The project lasted 10 months.
The Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine on European Integration Sergij Ustymenko greeted all the participants of the event. He stressed the importance of amending the anti-discrimination legislation using European experience and thanked the Spanish colleagues for providing expert support.
The Project Leader from the Kingdom of Spain Jacobo Martin Fernandez in his welcome speech outlined the main achievements of the project and expressed the willingness of Spanish side to continue promoting the Ukrainian colleagues on issues of improving the area of vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.
During the project realization the Ukrainian legislation in the area of vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities was analyzed and the work of vocational rehabilitation centers, which include integrated branches was learned. As a result of this work European experts made recommendations which should be taken into account during the drafting of the relevant laws and regulations.
In addition, participants considered the second quarterly report of the project and discussed the next steps for the practical implementation of its results. Representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Ukraine, European experts and project coordinator of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Serhiy Polyuk took part in the discussions.
The Head of the Twinning Coordination Division of the Center for Adaptation of the Civil Service to the Standards of the European Uniona Yan Yakushchenko attended the event.
For reference: since 2005 according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated on 06.10.2005 № 1424/2005 «The Issue on Provision of the Twinning Programme Implementation in Ukraine» the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service directs and coordinates the activity on preparation and implementation the Twinning Programme in Ukraine. Moreover the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service is the national coordinator of implementation of the institutional building instrument.
