Analiza Posted on 2026-06-15 11:03:00

Youth employment, where does Albania rank in Europe? More people are employed in the north of the continent, the Balkans still lag behind

From Eldiona Serani

Youth employment, where does Albania rank in Europe? More people are employed in

Eurostat data for the first quarter of 2026 show large differences between European countries in terms of the employment rate of young people aged 15 to 29.

According to statistics, the average for the 27-country European Union is 48.7%, while Albania records an employment rate of 42.8% for the 15–29 age group, positioning itself below the European average.

Albania, with 42.8%, stands above several countries in the region, but still far from countries with the most developed labor markets. Compared to several European countries, the level shows that the participation of Albanian youth in the labor market continues to be a challenge.

In the European rankings, Northern and Western European countries continue to dominate with the highest youth employment rates. The Netherlands leads with 79.8%, followed by Malta with 71.4%, Switzerland with 69% and Norway with 67.5%. Meanwhile, Denmark with 65.4%, Austria with 62.8% and Germany with 61.8% also register high levels.

On the other side of the table are some countries with the lowest youth employment rates. Italy scores just 32.6%, followed by Romania with 33.7%, Bulgaria with 35% and Greece with 36.2%. In the Balkan region, North Macedonia registers 34.6%, while Serbia 40.1%.

They often link this situation to factors such as the transition from education to employment, youth emigration, and limited opportunities for skilled jobs.

Overall, Eurostat figures show a clear divide in Europe. Northern and western countries have very high levels of youth employment, while southern, eastern and Balkan countries still face difficulties in bringing more young people into the labour market.

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