The regional case study is currently being developed with the main goal to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation of young people in eight Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia, specifically regarding their cooperation, employment and employability opportunities, mobility, migration, etc. In this context, various national statistics and thematic analyses have been conducted, providing a comprehensive analysis of the local contexts, shared trends and highlighting the structural barriers.

Preliminary findings show that while contexts differ across the region, common challenges remain. High unemployment, especially in rural areas, gender inequalities in access to the labor market, and the continuous “brain drain” are recurring patterns in all eight countries. The research also reveals mismatches between educational programs and labor market needs, alongside limited youth participation in political and civic life. These insights underline the urgent need for coordinated regional approaches that can strengthen education, boost employability, and create fairer opportunities for all young people.

Once completed, it will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, youth organizations, and institutions working to improve the prospects of young people in the Balkans. By combining national perspectives into a single regional analysis, the study lays the groundwork for stronger cooperation and long-term strategies that put youth at the center of social and economic development in Southeast Europe.