Making Kosovo Work Again: Challenges and Opportunities for Young People
Making Kosovo Work Again: Challenges and Opportunities for Young People

Summary/Abstract: The main aim of this article is to identify the underlying causes of youth unemployment in Kosovo and propose possible solutions. As one of the youngest countries, Kosovo is also home to the youngest population in Europe. One of the biggest challenges it faces is the high rate of youth unemployment. There are several structural, multisector and interrelated constraints to employment in Kosovo, ranging from a defective state system, resulting in legal uncertainty, to stagnant labour demand. One of the ways in which young Kosovans try to reduce the risk of unemployment is by migrating. Particular attention will therefore also be given to migration and its impact on economic development in Kosovo. We will argue that, in order to face the challenge of youth unemployment, a comprehensive approach is required, focusing inter alia on an efficient transition from school to the labour market and the increase of political and legal certainty, which as a result will attract foreign investment. Creating jobs does nevertheless not suffice; these measures should be accompanied by improved labour standards, social security laws and safety-nets.

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