As the Western Balkans strive toward regional integration, Albania’s modernized legal framework for foreign workers— ever aligning with EU standards—promises open labor markets for the Open Balkans Initiative (OBI) partner countries. Yet, despite efforts to streamline the procedures and visa-free access, migration data reveals minimal inflows from North Macedonia and Serbia.
This paper dissects Albania’s implementation of OBI agreements, contrasting their aspirational goals with on-ground realities. While OBI aims to simplify administrative processes, it fails to address systemic barriers or incentivize mobility. In specific cases it overlaps with the general migration legal framework applicable in the country adding to the legal complexity of citizen’s demarches.
Through legal analysis and migration trends, we analyze the gaps between policy and practice, urging actionable strategies—from harmonized social security to targeted incentives—to transform the region into a dynamic, EU-aligned labor market. Labor market reforms must bridge political ambitions with tangible worker-centric solutions.
Launch of the “Reform Tracker” — the first Growth Plan Scoreboard in the WB region
April 17, 20252025
FREE MOVEMENT OF WORKERS:
Albania in the Open Balkans Initiative
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As the Western Balkans strive toward regional integration, Albania’s modernized legal framework for foreign workers— ever aligning with EU standards—promises open labor markets for the Open Balkans Initiative (OBI) partner countries. Yet, despite efforts to streamline the procedures and visa-free access, migration data reveals minimal inflows from North Macedonia and Serbia.
Tags: SEE6, Berlin Process, Open Balkans Initiative, Mobility Agreements, Labour Market, Free Movement, Albania
CDI Institute
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