UTICAJ PANDEMIJSKE KRIZE NA NEZAPOSLENOST U ZEMLJAMA ZAPADNOG BALKANA U PERIODU 2020–2025
THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC CRISIS ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES DURING 2020–2025
Author(s): Isidora ALEKSIĆ, Milica Nestorović, Andrea D. Bučalina MatićSubject(s): Business Economy / Management, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Друштво за економска, друштвена и културна научна истраживања – Економист
Keywords: Unemployment; Western Balkans; COVID-19; Unemployment Rate; Labor Market;
Summary/Abstract: Unemployment in the Western Balkan countries remains one of the most important socio-economic issues, with significant consequences for economic development and social stability. The period 2020–2025 was marked by the strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a sharp increase in unemployment in 2020 and 2021, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and small business sectors. Young people and women were especially affected, further deepening the existing structural weaknesses of the labor market. Since 2022, a gradual recovery has been observed, accompanied by the growth of digital jobs and remote work. However, unemployment rates remain above the European Union average. The analysis shows that differences among countries are significant, and that employment policies and investments in human capital are crucial for accelerating recovery and reducing unemployment in the region.
Journal: Економист
- Issue Year: 5/2026
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 87-114
- Page Count: 28
- Language: English, Serbian
