Unemployment

Many Albanians could be let without pensions because so many people have emigrated, a new report from the Ombudsman's office warns.

An estimated one-third of Albania’s 3.2 million population has emigrated in the last two decades, following the collapse of Tirana’s reclusive Communist regime, which did not allow travel abroad.

Every fourth Bulgarian who has a university degree, works abroad, shows a survey of the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA). 

“Bulgaria behaves like a rich country, which exports highly qualified employees abroad,” said Tomcho Tomov of BIA. “At the same time a large number of young adults don't work and receive support from their parents who work abroad.”

Illiteracy in Bulgaria creates serious problems in communication between employers and those seeking employment. 

Unemployment in Bulgaria reached 12.9% in 2013.

Data by the National Statistical Institute cited by the website Expert.bg suggests it is up 0.6% compared to the previous year.

The number of Bulgarians currently out of work amounts to 436 000, with 250 000 (or 57.4%) permanently looking for a job.

The Greek Manpower Organization (OAED) announced on Monday the launch of a subsidized program for businesses to hire a total of 10,000 unemployed Greeks.

OAED said that companies would be able to submit their applications from March 21. The program, which runs to 54 million euros, is co-financed by the European Social Fund.

The social insurance for pension plans and unemployment is impossible at this stage, said Bulgaria's Minister of Labour and Social Policies Hasan Ademov.

The proposal for one percent increase in the sums deducted for pensions and unemployment benefits was made by one of Bulgaria's major trade unions, KNSB, last week. 

The British government published the official report on the impact of migration on unemployment among Brits. 

Balkan countries take measures to help youth find jobs

Regional countries are subsidising temporary employment and paid internships to help young people find jobs.

Enterprising young people, such as this pair in Sarajevo (above), used billboards in the past to attract employers' attention. The sign reads: "I am looking for a job!" [AFP]

The euro-area economy will continue to lag behind its main competitors, the U.S. and China, this year and next as high levels of unemployment and debt hinder the currency bloc’s recovery.

BELGRADE – Serbia’s politicians agreed Monday that the forthcoming early parliamentary elections need be followed by a public sector reform and work to reduce unemployment, simplify administrative procedures and adopt systemic laws so that Serbia could finally emerge out of transition.