How inclusive are labour markets in the Western Balkans for persons with disabilities? Which support mechanisms are producing results, and where are the key gaps that still need to be addressed?
Persons with disabilities continue to face numerous barriers when seeking access to employment and equal opportunities in the labour market. Understanding these challenges, as well as identifying effective support mechanisms, is essential for creating more inclusive societies across the Western Balkans.
The newly published report “Labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Balkan region”, prepared within the EMPOWERED project, provides a comprehensive overview of the current situation and examines the key factors shaping labour market inclusion in the region.
Drawing on extensive research conducted between December 2024 and March 2025, the publication analyses legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, employment policies, active labour market measures, and financial support mechanisms in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The report also presents selected examples of good practice from European Union member states.
While important progress has been achieved in recent years, the analysis highlights that many persons with disabilities still encounter limited access to employment measures, insufficient support services, accessibility barriers, and challenges related to cross-sectoral cooperation. At the same time, the report identifies promising approaches and policy solutions that can contribute to greater participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social life.
By providing evidence-based findings and recommendations, the publication aims to support policy dialogue and contribute to the development of a shared regional approach to disability inclusion and employment.
Prepared by Aleksandar Rončević, labour market consultant, the report was developed within the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the Federal Republic of Germany and led by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB). The project is implemented in partnership with Initiative for Development and Cooperation (IDC) Serbia, LIR Civil Society (LIR CD) Bosnia and Herzegovina, PREDA Plus Kosovo, Community Development Institute (CDI) North Macedonia, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF) Albania, and Alfa Centar Montenegro.
The report is available for download below.