Shahini: Labor Migration to the EU Continues This Summer – Construction Workers, Hospitality Staff, and Medical Professionals in High Demand

Agim Shahini, President of the Kosovo Business Alliance, says the region is once again experiencing a summer trend of increased labor migration toward the European Union, with construction workers, hospitality staff, and healthcare professionals being the most in demand.

“This summer, we’re seeing increased labor migration from the region to EU countries, especially Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. Workers are leaving in search of better wages, more secure contracts, and seasonal employment opportunities in construction, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare,” Shahini told Kosovo Online.

Commenting on the latest European Commission report on the Western Balkans and Turkey—which highlights a decline in unemployment—Shahini notes that employment growth has slowed to just 0.2%.

“This indicates that the labor market is still feeling the effects of slowed economic activity,” he emphasized.
Kosovo is no exception when it comes to in-demand professions.

Shahini specifies that the greatest number of jobs are available in construction, the IT sector, retail, logistics, and tourism.

“The most sought-after workers are drivers, tradespeople, programmers, as well as manufacturing and seasonal tourism workers,” he explained.

He added that the most challenging groups to employ are young people who have just completed their education, as well as workers who have lost their jobs and lack digital skills.

“Women have a harder time finding employment, especially in rural areas where there are fewer opportunities and flexible job options,” Shahini pointed out.

According to data from the Kosovo Business Alliance, young people are increasingly willing to retrain for professions that are in demand on the labor market, but stronger institutional support is needed.

“There must be stronger institutional support through practical training programs to accelerate the process and align it with the real needs of the economy,” Shahini said.

While the most in-demand jobs in Kosovo are in IT, manufacturing, logistics, and services, traditional administrative roles and professions not adapted to new technologies are the least in demand.

“At KBA, we believe the key to reducing unemployment in the long term and curbing migration lies in greater investment in education, digital skills, and linking the education system with the real needs of the labor market. Only in this way can we retain the workforce in our countries and narrow the gap with the EU,” Shahini concluded.