Full Description
This book explores the economic and social development of the Western Balkan region, a group of six countries that are potential candidates for EU membership. It focuses on the key economic issues facing these countries, including the challenge of promoting economic growth, limiting public deficits and debt, and fostering international trade relations. Given the severe impact of the recent economic crisis on social welfare in the region, it also investigates the nature and extent of social exclusion, a factor likely to produce future political instabilities if not effectively addressed by a return to sustainable economic growth. The contributions explore these issues in light of the major influence of EU policy instruments and advice, which are currently guiding the economies along an accession trajectory to future EU membership.
Contents
The Western Balkans on the Road to the EU: An Introduction.- The Western Balkans Regional Economic Area: From Economic Cooperation to Economic Integration.- Trade in Services in the Western Balkan Countries.- Higher Education and the Graduate Labour Market in the Western Balkans.- The Labour Market, Social Inequality and the Role of Emigration: The Case of the Western Balkan Economies.- On the Way to Europe: Economic and Social Developments in Albania.- Public and Private Debt: Recent Developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.- Trade and Industrial Development in Kosovo.- Social Policy During a Decade of Centre-Right Governance in Macedonia.- The Global Financial Crisis and Fiscal Policy in Montenegro.- Economic Reforms in Serbia and Prospects for Economic Recovery and Growth.- Conclusions: Achieving Sustainable Growth Through Outward Looking Policies and Regional Integration.
