YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN KOSOVO

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to analyse the employment and unemployment rates in the Western Balkans, looking particularly at youth (aged 18–24 years) unemployment in Kosovo. The results of the study show that unemployment in this age group is high and that labour market policies are also not appropriate. The empirical study was conducted during the pandemic (2020), but statistics for study needs were used from the period 2001–2019. It involved young people aged 18–24 and used data from various local and international institutions regarding the labour market for young people, labour market policy, etc. The study shows that in Kosovo, 48.7% of young people aged 18–24 are unemployed and that the most pronounced unemployment is among women. A significant proportion of the young population is unemployed (46.4%) and youth unemployment among females is higher (53.6%) compared to males (42.9%) (Kosovo Agency of Statistics, 2020b). Kosovo’s problem with youth unemployment is the result of poor economic development as well as inefficient labour market policies. The study recommends that policymakers develop sustainable and effective policies that will lead to stability in youth employment and improve the labour market performance. These policies should help organizations and businesses to increase the number of employees, but should also create long-term employment stability. Furthermore, a critical appraisal is necessary to avoid youth unemployment, instability in youth employment and labour market instability as a whole.