GOVERNMENT AND POLICY SUPPORT

YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE REGION

GOVERNMENT AND POLICY SUPPORT

Albania has developed a comprehensive legal and strategic youth policy aligned with EU standards:

Law on Youth No. 75/2019 – Defines institutional responsibilities for youth protection and empowerment.
National Youth Strategy 2022–2029 – Focuses on participation, education, employment, and inclusion.
National Strategy on Employment and Skills (NESS) 2023–2030 – Includes Youth Guarantee and labor market access for NEET youth.
National Strategy of Education 2021–2026 – Emphasizes digitalization, vocational training, and inclusion.
Higher Education Policy Document 2030 – Enhances quality and internationalization.
Law No. 79/2021 on Foreigners (PDF) – Regulates foreign nationals’ residency and employment.
Visa Regime and Residence Permits – Detail procedures for entry and legal stay.
Law on Pre-University Education 69/2012 (amended 2024) – Sets standards for school governance, teacher training, and curricula.
Law on Higher Education 80/2015 – Facilitates research collaboration and diploma recognition.

Policy development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is anchored in EU accession and sustainable development:

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) – In 2024, adopted its first comprehensive Youth Strategy, targeting employment, education, health, and youth participation. Emphasizes equal opportunities and inclusion in decision-making.
Republika Srpska – Implemented the Youth Policy 2016–2020, focusing on youth development across various sectors.
Brčko District – Adopted the Youth Strategy 2022–2026 to improve the position of youth and strengthen the youth sector.

Council of Ministers Website – Source for national policy updates and work programmes.
UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) – Prioritizes governance, social cohesion, and education.
UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina – Supports policy reforms, digitalization, and youth engagement.
Council of Europe Action Plan (2022–2025) – Focuses on electoral reform, inclusive education, and inter-ethnic dialogue.

Montenegro’s youth policy framework supports education, employment, and inclusion:

National Youth Strategy 2023–2027 – Guides youth-focused reforms.
Government Ministries – Ministry of Education and Science and others responsible for youth policies.
Youth Guarantee (pilot phase) – Secures employment, training, or education for NEETs.
Law on Higher Education – Ensures tuition-free education access.
Dual education programs, scholarships, and internships foster skill-building and transition to employment.

North Macedonia has a well-structured youth policy aligned with EU accession goals:

National Youth Strategy 2023–2027 (PDF)
Action Plan 2023–2025
Law on Youth Participation and Youth Policies (PDF)
Youth Allowance Law (PDF) – Supports financial inclusion during studies.
Government Portal
European Youth Card – Supports youth mobility, discounts, and cultural exchange.

Serbia focuses on youth employability, digital skills, and EU integration:

Government Portal
Law on Youth – Promotes youth participation and civic engagement.

Action Plan 2023-2025
Employment Strategy 2021–2026 – Prioritizes youth and vulnerable groups.
Ongoing reforms focus on digitalization, anti-corruption, and social inclusion

Slovenia provides strong institutional support for youth:

Act on Public Interest in the Youth Sector (ZJIMS) – This law defines youth policy, sets the foundation for youth work, and ensures cooperation between the government and youth organizations.
National Youth Programme 2023–2032 – Adopted in 2023, this long-term strategy outlines priorities in education, employment, health, housing, and youth participation. It aligns with the European Youth Work Agenda and includes biennial action plans for implementation.

National Programme for Youth 2013–2022 – Awaiting renewal post-2022.

Croatia’s youth policy has seen improvements but faces significant challenges:

Youth Councils Act – Primarily regulates youth councils; broader youth policies governed by national strategies.

Nacionalni program za mlade 2023–2025 (EN) – Adopted in 2023, it outlines strategic priorities in youth work, participation, education, health, rural inclusion, and EU engagement
National Plan for Labour, Safety at Work and Employment 2021 – 2027 – Targets NEETs and youth unemployment

Kosovo has a forward-looking, inclusive youth policy strategy:

State Strategy for Youth 2024–2032 (PDF)
Action Plan 2024–2025 – Contains timelines, goals, and indicators for youth development.

Law on Empowerment and Participation of Youth (2019) – Provides institutional basis for youth inclusion.
Youth Employment Strategy is part of Kosovo National Development Strategy 2016–2021 and revised Employment strategy 2024-2028.

Country	Law on Youth / Legal Framework	National Youth Strategy	Youth Employment Strategy	Youth Regional Mobility
Albania	✅ Law No. 75/2019 – Guarantees youth rights and government obligations.	✅ 2022–2029 – Prioritizes participation, inclusion, education, and employment.	✅ NESS 2023–2030 – Includes Youth Guarantee and NEET-targeted actions.	✅ Western Balkans agreement on mutual work rights; simplified visa/residence procedures.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	🟧 Entity-level only – No unified national youth law; separate legal frameworks exist in FBiH (2009), RS (2004), and Brčko District.	✅ Separate National Youth Strategies: • Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Adopted in 2024 – Focus on employment, education, health, and youth participation. • Republika Srpska: Youth Policy 2016–2020 – Emphasizes multi-sector development. • Brčko District: Adopted Youth Strategy 2022–2026 – Aims to enhance local youth sector.	🟧 Youth-focused actions are integrated into the UNSDCF and broader reform agendas.	✅ Member of RYCO, Erasmus+, and regional exchanges; visa-free travel in WB6.
Montenegro	✅ Law on Youth (2019) – Ensures youth participation and defines support services.	✅ 2023–2027 – Covers education, digital skills, and civic engagement.	✅ Part of the Employment Strategy with Youth Guarantee (2023 pilot).	✅ Erasmus+, RYCO, ENIC/NARIC, and diploma recognition reforms.
North Macedonia	✅ Law on Youth Participation (2020) – Institutionalizes youth policy and roles.	✅ 2023–2027 + Action Plan – Holistic strategy for empowerment and rights.	✅ Youth Guarantee integrated in employment strategy; self-employment support.	✅ RYCO, EYCA, bilateral exchanges (e.g., with Greece, Albania), European Youth Card.
Serbia	✅ Law on Youth (2011) – Framework for youth rights, civic engagement, and support.	✅ 2023–2030 – Focuses on EU integration, well-being, and inclusion.	✅ Employment Strategy 2021–2026 – Prioritizes NEETs and incentives for employers.	✅ RYCO, Erasmus+, mobility protocols via Western Balkans recognition schemes.
Slovenia	✅ ZJIMS – Defines public interest in youth and cross-sectoral cooperation.	✅ National Youth Programme 2013–2022 – Comprehensive strategy across education, employment, health, housing, and civic participation. Renewal is in progress.	🟧 Part of the labor strategy, not standalone; includes EURES support.	✅ Full access to Erasmus+, CEEPUS, and cross-border youth volunteering.
Croatia	🟧 Youth Council Act– Limited scope; no comprehensive youth rights framework.	✅ National Youth Programme 2023–2025 – Addresses participation, health, rural inclusion, and EU engagement.	✅ National Plan for Labour, Safety at Work and Employment 2021–2027 – Targets NEETs and the skills mismatch.	✅ Erasmus+, RYCO, and regional youth exchanges under the WB6 framework.
Kosovo	✅ Law on Empowerment and Participation of Youth (2019) – Provides a strong legal foundation for youth.	✅ State Strategy for Youth 2024–2032 – Focused on education, health, and empowerment.	🟧 Employment policies exist but not as a dedicated national youth employment strategy.	✅ RYCO, Erasmus+, and visa-free Schengen access (2024) boost youth mobility.

YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE REGION

GOVERNMENT AND POLICY SUPPORT

ALBANIA

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Montenegro

North Macedonia

Serbia

Slovenia

Croatia

Kosovo