The ninth BBinar focused on discussing how high emigration rates from the Western Balkans, particularly among young and skilled workers, combined with the other unfavourable demographic trends, have turned the region once characterised with abundance of available workforce into a region facing significant labour shortages. The issue is particularly pronounced in some of the key sectors such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing, limiting the growth of these sectors. In response, countries in the region have started to redesign their immigration policies aimed at easing the employment of foreigners. The questions of expected effectiveness of such policies and implementation of related policies that will assure protection of migrant workers’ rights and full utilisation of their skills remain to be answered. The BBinar aimed to focus on (1) the key trends and motivations of migration from the Western Balkans, (2) its impact on labour markets and the policies of adjustment, and the (3) various measures undertaken by countries in the region to address migration driven labour shortages.
Agenda:
10:00 – 10:10: Introductory input (Welcome)
10:10 – 10:25: Input presentation from
10:25 – 10:55: Comments to the presentation from
10:55 – 11:30: Q&A and discussion with audience
Moderator: Sonila Danaj, European Centre (Austria)
If you have any questions, please contact Sabina Gjylsheni (gjylsheni@euro.centre.org).
