Problems at the Labour Market in the Western Balkans

Abstract

In this paper are analyzed problems related to job creation as a major prioritythroughout the Western Balkans. In the paper is stressed out the idea thateven in countries with fairly strong economic growth during the last years(e.g., Albania, Serbia), labor market performance has been sluggish. In theother countries where growth has been slower, outcomes are even worse. It isalso analyzed the contribution of emigration to sustainable growth as an employmentalternative and with regard to the enlargement of Eu with new member states after 2004.There are varying migratory patterns and motivation across the Balkanregion, also making it impossible to generalise. One theory, known as the "migration hump", suggests that, as economic development proceeds, ratherthan reducing migratory outflows it will actually stimulate them. However,some analysts contend that, in the case of Albania and Turkey, it would, inthe medium term bring them out of the "migration band" and reduce massemigration. For other Balkan countries, on the other hand, it might increaseemigration pressures: "aid in place of migration" is not a serious option formuch of the Balkan region, despite the imperative of the area's economicdevelopment.In the third part of the paper are explored women labor market potential througheconomic analysis of some areas in Shkodra region taken in case. In a reportof the World Bank of 2000 in Albania the informal economy occupied 33.4%of GDP, and according to the claim of Labour Inspectoriate-Shkodra branchin northern region is noticed an informality at 40% during 2005. As well isnoticed by the businesses that there are infractions of law competition in which the strongest makes progress with illegal and unfair methods. Throughanalyzing of traditional women employment in Shkodra region there aregiven some alternatives for future women employment such as handicraft,services, family tourism, textile industry.