Study on Youth Employment in the Western Balkans

Description: Explores youth employment trends, barriers, and solutions across Western Balkan countries.

Authors & Year: Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), 2021

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans

Key Topics: Youth unemployment, labor market integration, skills mismatch

Key Findings:

• Youth NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates remain critically high across the region.
• There is a persistent mismatch between education outcomes and labor market demands.
• Youth in rural areas and young women face significantly higher barriers to employment.
  Accessibility: Available on RCC website
  Contact Information and Relevant Links: https://www.rcc.int/pubs/105/study-on-youth-employment-in-the-western-balkans

Boosting Youth Employability in the Western Balkans

Description: Policy paper offering concrete steps to improve employability outcomes for young people.

Authors & Year: Regional Cooperation Council & partners, 2022

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans

Key Topics: Skills development, youth entrepreneurship, internships

Key Findings:

• Youth employment programs need to be better structured and coordinated.
• Soft skills are crucial and often overlooked in formal education.
• There is growing demand for digital and green skills in the labor market.
  Accessibility: Freely accessible online
  Contact Information and Relevant Links: https://www.rcc.int/pubs/123/boosting-youth-employability-in-the-western-balkans

The Effect of the Level of Education on Employment: Evidence from Western Balkans

Description: Examines the correlation between educational attainment and employment outcomes.

Authors & Year: World Bank, 2020

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans

Key Topics: Education, employment outcomes, human capital

Key Findings:

• Higher levels of education are generally linked with better employment opportunities.
• The impact of education on employment varies by country and sector.
• Vocational and technical training programs often yield stronger employment outcomes than general education.
  Accessibility: Available via World Bank publications
  Contact Information and Relevant Links: https://documents.worldbank.org

Strategic Foresight in the Western Balkans: Recovery on the Horizon

Description: Forward-looking analysis of economic and political trends impacting the region.

Authors & Year: European Commission, 2022

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans

Key Topics: Post-COVID recovery, economic growth, governance

Key Findings:

• Digital transformation and innovation are key drivers of sustainable recovery.
• Inclusive economic recovery requires targeted support for youth and vulnerable groups.
• Good governance and institutional reforms are critical for long-term development.
  Accessibility: EU publications portal
  Contact Information and Relevant Links: https://op.europa.eu

Labour Market Survey, 2022, Albania
Description: Detailed survey on labor market conditions in Albania with focus on youth and gender.

Authors & Year: INSTAT & ILO, 2022

Geographical Scope: Albania

Key Topics: Employment statistics, youth labor force, gender dynamics

Key Findings:

• Youth unemployment remains persistently high.
• Women encounter more significant barriers to entering and remaining in the labor market.
• Employment opportunities are concentrated in urban areas, widening the rural-urban divide.
  Accessibility: Published by INSTAT
  Contact Information and Relevant Links: https://www.instat.gov.al