The Ukrainian pension system at crossroads: Key policy messages from the recent ILO report

In 2017, the Ukrainian Government adopted a pension reform that increased the level of pensions in payment but severely restricted future pensions. After three years’ implementation of the reform, it is time to assess the impact of the changes and what needs to be done for deciding the future of Ukraine’s pension system. In addition, the newly elected government is planning to introduce a second pension pillar based on individual accounts and managed by private pension funds.

News | 29 January 2020


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The recent ILO report Future of the Ukrainian pension system conducts an in-depth analysis of the current Ukrainian pension system, develops policy recommendations in terms of adequacy, coverage and sustainability, and also makes a clear suggestion concerning the planned privatization of pensions. Here we present four key ILO policy messages.

Message 1: The pension level and minimum guarantees should be improved


The analysis shows that the current pension formula does not secure the benefit level required by Convention No. 102, which Ukraine ratified in 2016. The pension formula should be increased to secure at least a benefit rate of 40 percent after 30 years of contributions as required by Convention No. 102 for earnings-related contributory pensions.

For workers with low income, pensions under the current pension formula fail to attain national poverty benchmarks. To strengthen the minimum guarantees, the right to a full minimum pension guarantee should be given to persons with shorter contributory periods and the equal treatment of minimum pension protection should be ensured throughout the retirement period.

Message 2: It is crucial to extend the pension system coverage

Currently only 36 percent of the population aged 15–64 in Ukraine are contributing to the State pension system. The low coverage implies that in the long run more than 60 percent of elderly persons would not be entitled to pensions.

There is an urgent need to increase labour force participation and the rates of formal employment (in particular for youth and women), increase effective coverage of all types of employment contracts, and increase enforcement and compliance with reporting economic activities and paying contributions.

Message 3: Stakeholders should agree on the measures to improve the sustainability of the pension system


Since 2016, the revenue to the Pension Fund has decreased significantly due to the substantial reduction in the single social contribution rate. As a result, more than 40 percent of the total expenditure of the Pension Fund is financed by the State budget. In 2018, the transfer from the State budget to the State Pension Fund amounted to 4.2 percent of GDP, one third of which was spent to cover the deficit of the Fund.

To improve the long-term sustainability of the pension system, the stakeholders should discuss a wide range of policy alternatives and make rational decisions based on national tripartite dialogue.

Message 4: Ukraine should act with caution on introducing the mandatory funded pensions

In 2018, the Ukrainian Government developed a draft law to introduce a mandatory funded pension tier (the “second pillar” system) as part of the Ukrainian pension system.

Based on the analysis it is not recommended that Ukraine introduce a second pillar system under the current circumstances.
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Ukraine is facing insufficient social security coverage, resulting in the inadequacy of income security for a growing share of the population. In order to move forward and create the perspectives for an adequate and sustainable pension system, there is a need for all key stakeholders – the Government, trade unions and employers – to discuss and decide on the future of the pension system in Ukraine. ILO stands ready to provide continuous technical assistance.