Trends and challenges of youth unemployment in Western Balkan countries

Tošović-Stevanović, Aleksandra and Jovancai Stakić, Ana and Štavlić, Katarina (2025) Trends and challenges of youth unemployment in Western Balkan countries. International Review, 14 (3-4). pp. 167-175. ISSN 2217-9739

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Abstract

Human resources and their utilization through employment are essential for the development and improvement of any national economy. A significant component of innovation and productivity growth is the employment rate of young people, who are considered to be the carriers of technological changes and competitiveness. However, despite some positive results in the past period, countries worldwide are still facing the challenge of a high youth unemployment rate and its multifaceted negative consequences. Western Balkan countries, all in different phases of EU accession, are sharing similar economic setbacks, including youth unemployment. The first part of the paper analyses the position of youth unemployment and the NEET (not in education, employment or training) rate in the Republic of Serbia, the skill gap that exists in the labour market, as well as an overview and assessment of existing strategies and policies implemented in the Republic of Serbia. In the following part, a comparative analysis of the position of youth in Serbia with the rest of the Western Balkan countries is conducted. The results point to mutual challenges of young people entering a dynamic labour market that can be addressed through extensive cooperation and joint initiatives. By analysing available quantitative data, theoretical and institutional frameworks, the paper emphasizes the importance of providing various measures of extended support for young people and their economic position to foster economic growth and enhance national competitiveness.

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