Mizsei, Kalman; Maddock, Nicholas --- "Unemployment in theWestern Balkans: a synoptic diagnosis" [2005] ELECD 394; in Liebscher, Klaus; Christl, Josef; Mooslechner, Peter; Ritzberger-Grünwald, Doris (eds), "European Economic Integration and South-East Europe" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2005)

Book Title: European Economic Integration and South-East Europe

Editor(s): Liebscher, Klaus; Christl, Josef; Mooslechner, Peter; Ritzberger-Grünwald, Doris

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781845425173

Section: Chapter 19

Section Title: Unemployment in theWestern Balkans: a synoptic diagnosis

Author(s): Mizsei, Kalman; Maddock, Nicholas

Number of pages: 19

Extract:

19. Unemployment in the Western
Balkans: a synoptic diagnosis
Kalman Mizsei and Nicholas Maddock

INTRODUCTION

This chapter examines the level and characteristics of unemployment in the
Western Balkan.1 The hypotheses as to why unemployment in the region is
so high are reviewed and gaps in the analysis of, and data on, unemploy-
ment and related matters in the Western Balkans are identified.
All the Western Balkan countries have aspirations to membership of
the European Union (EU), with Croatia likely to be the first to accede.
Having formally applied for membership in February 2003, it became a
candidate country in April 2004.2 Macedonia also applied for membership
(in March 2004), while the other Western Balkan countries are participat-
ing in the so-called Stabilisation and Association Process.3 This is analo-
gous to the preparatory process for membership pursued by the European
Commission in the formerly socialist countries of Central and Eastern
Europe (CEE) which joined the EU in 2004, as well as in Romania and
Bulgaria (which are expected to accede in 2007).4 In broad terms, it involves
a contractual process which is tailor-made to each country and based on
agreed criteria and goals which aim to ensure that prospective candidate
countries pursue EU-compatible practices in political, economic and sec-
toral reform.5 As such, it is a precursor to a detailed review of compliance
with the acquis communautaire and the ensuing design and implementation
of a programme of actions necessary for accession (which, in ...