Documents Mehmeti, Jeton 2 results

"Unemployment is one of the major challenges that every Kosovo government faces. Today, the unemployment level reaches the staggering figure of 39-48 %, depending on the source. With only 25 % of the population of working age in employment, Kosovo has the lowest employment rate in Europe. The public sector remains the highest employment agency, providing work for more than 70 000 people. The number of registered private firms continues to increase but the informal sector remains very strong, accounting for around 30 % of businesses. A social assistance programme does exist but, due to the tight fiscal space, it has low coverage and more than 60 % of the poor are out of reach. Some 30 000 people join the labour market annually, but those who reach retirement age are much fewer. With such an increasing number of job seekers, and with few work opportunities, the government should seriously think about more efficient active and passive employment policies in which a review of its employment strategy is a key starting point. "

"Poverty in Kosovo is persistent and widespread: nearly half the population is estimated to live below the poverty line. Economic growth has been solid since the endof the war, but foreign assistance and remittances are declining while exports andforeign investment are not much improved. Kosovo remains one of the poorestcountries in Europe: living standards are not improving; social assistance programmes seem to be inadequate; and exports are still facing legal problems withneighbouring countries. The number of people entering the job market is increasingbut job opportunities remain low and the inadequate training and skills of job seekers add to long-term unemployment. The level of participation in compulsory education is not bad, but the quality of education is poor. In order to ensure equity andefficiency in social policy, economic growth should see a decrease in the povertylevel while reducing unemployment implies the creation of new jobs. However, thisrequires better governance, improved infrastructure, foreign investors and encouragement for entrepreneurship and agriculture as well as investment in education."