Albania: Optimism about the entry into force of the Open Labor Market Agreement

Labor market expert Erion Muca and the president of the "Proexport Albania" Association, Edvin Prenci, believe that the Open Labor Market Agreement between Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia coming into effect will greatly benefit Albania in various aspects. According to them, the first results will be seen within the next six months to a year.

Recently, the president of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Cadez, reminded that as of July 1st, the open labor market between Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia would be operational within the framework of the "Open Balkan" initiative.

Muca believes that the free labor market is crucial for the well-being of citizens.

"The initiative will have a positive impact. We have to wait at least six months or a year to see the first results. I support every initiative that removes barriers to free movement and employment, with the sole purpose of strengthening cooperation and good neighborliness in our region, as well as creating certain standards that would serve as a model for us to face competition from Europe or the world," Muca says.

When asked about what Albania might need in terms of the labor market, Muca highlights that they will likely require workers for the tourism industry, the agro-processing industry, as well as for hotel, bar, and restaurant services.

"Serbia can request specialists in the field of information technology from Albania, as well as specialists or lecturers from technical fields," Muca added.

Edvin Prenci, the president of the "Proexport Albania" Association, states that the entry into force of the Open Labor Market Agreement has prompted the Albanian Government to raise salary levels.

"Every cooperation has a positive impact, and one of the advantages is the free movement of employees. That was the reason that forced the Albanian government to reconsider the level of the minimum wage and overall wage increases, so as not to be in a disadvantaged position compared to the other two countries. The expected effects have not been achieved yet, but every such agreement helps increase the well-being of citizens and catch up with other European countries," Prenci stated.

He emphasized that several agreements had been signed within the "Open Balkan" initiative that must be respected, and he interprets the statement of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama as an invitation for other countries to join the initiative.

"Every agreement must be respected. In my opinion, Edi Rama's words should be interpreted as an indication that this cooperation should expand and include other Balkan countries rather than being limited only to Albania, Serbia, and North Macedonia," Prenci concluded.