EU social affairs ministers support Ukraine’s and Moldova’s aspirations for EU membership

Ukraine held a Ministerial Social Policy Summit in Lviv on 22 May. The theme of the Summit was ‘Building Resilient Societies: Innovative Solutions for Demographic Change’. The Summit also issued a joint communiqué, in which the participating countries expressed their support for Ukraine and Moldova on their path towards joining the European Union.

The key topics discussed during the Summit included, in particular, the ongoing demographic change in Europe and the related challenges, such as population ageing, declining birth rates, labour shortages, high unemployment and migration flows.

The Summit brought together social affairs ministers from EU Member States, who issued a joint communiqué at the event. Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso represented Finland at the Summit.

The joint communiqué strongly condemns Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and acknowledges the progress made by Ukraine and Moldova in reforming their social policy systems in line with European standards on their path towards full membership in the European Union. 
Minister Juuso reaffirmed that Finland’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. “Finland is committed to continuing its support to Ukraine for as long as necessary. We support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace under the UN Charter and international law. The basic conditions for peace are Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Minister Juuso.

Ukraine continues to be Finland’s biggest single partner in development cooperation and biggest recipient of humanitarian assistance. Finland is committed to supporting the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

Inquiries: 

Nuutti Hyttinen, Special Adviser to Minister of Social Affairs and Health Kaisa Juuso, tel.  +358 295 163 073, Please note: between 22 and 23 May, available by phone on +358 50 569 4723 
Pasi Korhonen, Director of EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 50 441 6108, Please note: between 22 and 23 May, available by phone on +358 50 330 9128

Email addresses are in the format: firstname.lastname(@)gov.fi

Joint communique, May 22, 2025 Lviv