Boosting Job Growth in the Western Balkans

Author/Editor:

Dmitriy Kovtun ; Alexis Meyer-Cirkel ; Zuzana Murgasova ; Dustin Smith ; Suchanan Tambunlertchai

Publication Date:

January 28, 2014

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Labor markets in the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia) are characterized by some of the highest unemployment and low employment rates in Europe. We analyze the poor labor market outcomes in these countries by comparison with the New Member States of the European Union and advanced European economies. Our findings suggest that long-lasting labor market weaknesses in the Western Balkans have structural roots: the institutional setup of the labor markets, labor cost factors, and especially the unfinished transition process. Finally, we offer policy recommendations for boosting job creation.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2014/016

Subject:

Labor Labor costs Labor markets Unemployment Unemployment rate Wages

English

Publication Date:

January 28, 2014

ISBN/ISSN:

9781484391037/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2014016

Pages:

30

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