Youth Brain Drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and Türkiye

This study offers an in-depth examination of the growing youth brain drain phenomenon across the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, and Türkiye. It explores the socioeconomic drivers of migration, the impact on the youth sector, and proposes policy responses to shift from brain drain to brain circulation.

Authors & Year: European Youth Forum (YFJ), 2023

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership, Türkiye

Key Topics: Youth migration, brain drain, labor mobility, education, socioeconomic inequality

Key Findings:

• Youth leave due to lack of quality employment, limited participation opportunities, and political instability.
• Brain drain leads to skill shortages, weak civil society, and demographic imbalances in home countries.
• Emigration is often permanent, and policies to incentivize return are weak or underdeveloped.
• Investing in inclusive labor markets, youth engagement, and regional cooperation can promote brain circulation.
  Accessibility: Publicly available via the European Youth Forum website
  Contact & Links: 📄 Youth brain drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye
  🌐 https://www.youthforum.org

Migration Routes: Commission Proposes Action Plan with Western Balkans
This policy communication outlines the European Commission’s proposed Action Plan to address irregular migration along the Western Balkan routes. It includes concrete measures for improved border management, asylum procedures, and return mechanisms, while enhancing regional cooperation.

Authors & Year: European Commission, 2022

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans – EU relations

Key Topics: Migration governance, regional cooperation, EU enlargement, policy response

Key Findings:

• Irregular migration pressures remain high along Balkan routes.
• Regional alignment with EU visa and asylum policies is critical to long-term management.
• Collaboration with Frontex and readmission agreements are key parts of the strategy.
• Efforts include joint operations, tackling smuggling networks, and capacity-building for border authorities.

Accessibility: Fully accessible via the EU’s official document portal

Contact & Links: 
🌐 https://ec.europa.eu