The Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Naida Nišić, stated that regional cooperation along with effective policy implementation can create a labor market favorable for both employers and employees, enhancing the economic outlook of the region.

Today, she held a meeting at the RCC headquarters in Sarajevo with the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović.

This meeting, as highlighted by the RCC, focused on regional collaboration concerning employment and labor mobility, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Ministerial Conference on Labor Migration in the Western Balkans, scheduled for May in Budva.

The high-level conference aims to bolster a shared perception of the economic opportunities presented by labor mobility. It will convene ministers, government representatives, leaders from the private sector, and representatives from development banks to deliberate on labor migration as a catalyst for economic growth.

Jointly organized by Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the RCC, this event will be supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the RCC’s Platform for Employment and Social Affairs, and the EU Delegation to Montenegro.

Kapetanović emphasized that labor mobility is not just a pressing economic need, but also a strategic chance for the Western Balkans.

“By developing inclusive policies and frameworks that promote labor mobility, we can tackle the skilled workforce shortage, encourage economic development, and enhance regional economic resilience,” stated Kapetanović.

Migration is a significant trend influencing the global economy. Currently, migrants represent 3.4 percent of the world’s population but contribute 10 percent to the global gross domestic product (GDP).

The Western Balkans’ economies have demonstrated growing resilience in recent years, despite prior difficulties such as sluggish growth, trade deficits, and elevated unemployment. Employment rates reached record highs in 2022 and continued to improve in 2023, while unemployment continues to decline across the region. Nonetheless, there are ongoing issues related to skill mismatches and labor shortages across various sectors.

Nišić remarked that the forthcoming Ministerial Conference in Budva will be pivotal in advancing the conversation about labor mobility and ensuring sustainable economic advancement in the Western Balkans.

Significant progress has been made in the Western Balkans towards enhancing labor mobility through regional initiatives such as the Common Regional Market and the South East Europe Strategy 2030.

As the Western Balkans continue their journey towards EU integration, expediting economic reforms and addressing labor market challenges will be crucial for regional cohesion and sustainable growth. Key sectors such as energy, green transition, digital transformation, innovation, and infrastructure connectivity will necessitate a skilled and flexible workforce.

News