Regional cooperation and the implementation of effective policies can create a labor market that benefits both employers and workers, thus strengthening the region’s economic prospects, said Montenegro’s Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Naida Nišić.
She met with the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, today at the RCC headquarters in Sarajevo.
According to an RCC statement, the meeting focused on regional cooperation in the areas of employment and labor mobility, with particular emphasis on the upcoming Ministerial Conference on Labor Migration in the Western Balkans, which will take place in May in Budva.
This high-level conference aims to strengthen the common understanding of the economic potential of labor mobility. It will gather ministers, government representatives, private sector leaders, and representatives from development banks to discuss labor migration as a driver of economic growth.
The event, co-organized by Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and RCC, will be supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the RCC’s Employment and Social Affairs Platform, and the EU Delegation to Montenegro.
Kapetanović stated that labor mobility is not only an economic necessity but also a strategic opportunity for the Western Balkans.
“By creating inclusive policies and frameworks that support labor mobility, we can address the shortage of skilled workers, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional economic resilience,” said Kapetanović.
Migration is a global megatrend shaping the economy. Currently, migrants make up 3.4% of the global population but contribute 10% of global GDP.
In recent years, the economies of the Western Balkans have shown increasing resilience despite previous challenges such as slow economic growth, trade deficits, and high unemployment. Employment rates reached historic highs in 2022 and continued to grow in 2023, while unemployment across the region has been declining. However, the lack of skills and workforce shortages remain key challenges in various sectors, including those requiring low, medium, and high levels of expertise.
Nišić stated that the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Budva will be a turning point in advancing the discussion on labor mobility and ensuring sustainable economic development for the Western Balkans.
The Western Balkans has made significant progress in improving labor mobility within regional frameworks, such as the Common Regional Market and the Southeast Europe 2030 Strategy.
As the Western Balkans progresses on its path to the EU, accelerating economic reforms and addressing labor market challenges will be key for regional integration and sustainable development. Sectors such as energy, green transition, digital transformation, innovation, and infrastructure connectivity will require a strong and adaptable labor market.
