Op-ed by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu discusses the evolving labor market trends in the Western Balkans, highlighting a decrease in unemployment rates but also pointing out significant challenges such as skill shortages, emigration of talented workers, and disparities in vocational education participation. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges through targeted interventions, particularly in vocational education and training (VET), to align with industry needs and retain talent within the region.

The article calls for collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and civil society to develop comprehensive strategies to foster innovation, productivity, and economic growth in the Western Balkans.