The unemployment rate fell in most economies of the region in 2024. Economic expansion has led to further job creation in the Western Balkans, although annual employment growth slowed to 1.5%1 on average, while labour force participation increased in some economies. Overall, unemployment rates in the region were at historically low levels but remained higher than in the EU, ranging from 8.6% in Serbia to 12.5% in North Macedonia.

This document is written by the staff of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, Directorate D for International Economic and Financial Relations and Global Governance, Unit D1 – Candidate and Pre-Candidate Countries.

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