Western Balkan Youth Migration

[katarina]

Welcome to the forum on youth migration in the Western Balkans (WB).

This issue has become a growing concern over the last decade, especially given the rise in emigration from WB6 countries, primarily driven by economic uncertainty and political challenges. In 2018, over 228,000 people from these countries moved to the EU, with young people (aged 20-39) making up the majority of emigrants. This phenomenon is often referred to as the ‘brain drain,’ as many of these migrants are highly educated and skilled individuals. (See more: (PDF) Youth Emigration from the Western Balkans: Factors, Motivations, and Trends)

A significant factor contributing to this migration is visa liberalization between the EU and the WB countries (excluding Kosovo), which has made it easier for people to move. However, this massive emigration raises concerns about the long-term effects on the region's economies, competitiveness, and overall development. Studies have shown that the labor market in these countries, alongside inefficient educational systems, has not been able to retain young talent, exacerbating the issue.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Let's explore the causes, effects, and possible solutions together.

[Dix47]

Why do you think the emigration rates are so high in the Western Balkans?

[asja123]

I think it’s mostly because of the economic situation. Many young people just don’t see any future at home. High unemployment and a lack of opportunities for university educated people and skilled workers push them to look for better prospects in the EU. Stats are crazy, as percentage of people who want to move is skyrocketing in almost all Western Balkan countries.

[eso123]

It’s not just economic reasons though, right? I feel like there’s also a cultural element—many young people feel disconnected from their home countries due to political instability, lack of trust in the government and overall feeling of cultural degradation.

[Ivan_1234]

Here is a really cool news article by Radio Slobodna Evropa about why young people leave Balkan and do not come back...there is also a video! A MUST WATCH
Link to the article: https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/mladi- ... 42674.html
Link to the video: https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/mladi- ... 38131.html

[Lea_32]

Referring to Eso's point above...

True, but I think the main reason for high emigration rates is the lack of jobs and career growth in the Western Balkans. You can’t ignore that the education system doesn't always prepare young people for the labor market, which only increases frustration. When I talk to my colleagues, friends and family, they often say that they feel they do not have another option but to go.

[Emina]

I agree with you, Lea. But on the bright side, in Bosnia and Herzegovina where I am rom a lot of young people that grew up abroad and are a part of our diaspora, have been coming back to BiH. I think the proper name of this trend is circular migration. If we can make the conditions for people to return after gaining experience abroad, we could turn ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain circulation.’ Those who return could bring back skills, networks, and a broader perspective that would benefit the economy.

[AlvinaS]

I’ve been reading about circular migration too.. But isn’t it a bit idealistic? I mean, if the conditions at home don’t improve, why would young people come back after they’ve found success abroad? It sounds like the system has to be updated entirely for it to work.

[MladoMladen123]

Here is a cool news report from RADIO SLOBODNA EVROPA on exactly this topic... It is awful to see this many young individuals and families leaving our homelands. I hope it changes in the future..

Link: https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/mladi- ... 38131.html

[MakiVel16]

I just glazed through the report made by RSE, from the previous post.... This I found very interesting- "Institut za razvoj i inovacije (IRI) iz Beograda, razvio je metodologiju za kvantifikovanje gubitaka država iz kojih se mladi iseljavaju, a njegova studija pokazuje da Zapadni Balkan zbog migracija godišnje gubi između tri i pet milijardi evra." It is not only a social and demographical problem, but also purely economic. It is because of this that our governments should work harder on solving this issue.

[KacaV223]

"You can't eat peace." This statement is soo strong, and I believe that it best depicts why are people leaving Balkans... We have peace but at what price.

For Serbian/Bosnian/Croatian native speakers, check it out https://www.dw.com/sr/za%C5%A1to-oti%C4 ... a-18689545

[Tarik_Mujezinovic02]

I agree with you, Lea. But on the bright side, in Bosnia and Herzegovina where I am rom a lot of young people that grew up abroad and are a part of our diaspora, have been coming back to BiH. I think the proper name of this trend is circular migration. If we can make the conditions for people to return after gaining experience abroad, we could turn ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain circulation.’ Those who return could bring back skills, networks, and a broader perspective that would benefit the economy.

Hey Emina, I completely agree. Not sure is it my age that makes me an idealist and optimist, but I truly have a feeling that economic and political situation in all WB countries will improve in the upcoming years or worsen abroad. In the light of the transformative student energy that emerged from Serbia, I believe we all feel it and there will be progress. It must happen. Because of that I truly think Western Balkan will flourish and become a place where people want to live.

[NeaZ_Um565]

Referring to Eso's point above...

True, but I think the main reason for high emigration rates is the lack of jobs and career growth in the Western Balkans. You can’t ignore that the education system doesn't always prepare young people for the labor market, which only increases frustration. When I talk to my colleagues, friends and family, they often say that they feel they do not have another option but to go.

I would not agree. I think our educational system here in WB is pretty thorough and detailed, and respected. I would say that it needs a bit of reform in context of changing employment market, but overall its positive. The main issue is that many companies or organizations look for younger people to employ without really paying enough. This leads to another problem where young, educated and skilled people are not economically stable to be independent. Essentially young people seek independence and I would say that is the main reason why they leave their homelands.

[Starac3_3more]

I am just so sad and disappointed in our government that is not taking any steps, legally, economically or socially to stop MASSIVE brain drain happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this article by BUKA, 2.777 people left BIH in search of netter life. They are leaving and moving to Croatia, Austria and Germany mostly. As someone who had the opportunity to live and work abroad, this is far from an easy decision and life that awaits from them "preko grane" is not an easy one. It is full of difficult situations, loneliness, and giving up some privileges you had home. I want to be optimistic and believe that this will change, and hopefully reverse in the future but we really have to do something.

here is a link to the BUKA article: https://6yka.com/izdvojeno/evo-koliko-j ... ri-zemlje/

[Hondo_Amira8]

I think it’s mostly because of the economic situation. Many young people just don’t see any future at home. High unemployment and a lack of opportunities for university educated people and skilled workers push them to look for better prospects in the EU. Stats are crazy, as percentage of people who want to move is skyrocketing in almost all Western Balkan countries.

I honestly think the rise in youth migration from the Western Balkans is a good thing. It’s no secret that countries like Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo are struggling with unemployment rates that are double the EU average. Youth unemployment in Kosovo is over 50%, and many young people are just looking for better opportunities in places like Germany or Austria. Migration offers a chance for education, better job prospects, and a higher standard of living. Why stay stuck in a system that offers no real future?

[Ivanche_mki1]

The focus should be on improving governance and creating better opportunities locally rather than encouraging the brain drain. It’s not enough to just leave; we need to reform. Youth-led movements in places like Serbia have been calling for better education systems, more jobs, and less corruption. That’s the solution. Young people should be at the forefront of change, not running away from it......

[Dorentina7]

Why do you think the emigration rates are so high in the Western Balkans?

Economic Struggles – High unemployment rates and low wages push young people to seek better jobs in Western Europe, Australia, or North America.
Political Instability & Corruption – Many feel that their home countries lack fairness and opportunities due to political issues, nepotism, and corruption.
Better Education & Career Growth – Universities and career prospects are often seen as better abroad, leading many to study and then stay there.
Lack of Social Mobility – In many cases, who you know matters more than what you know, making it harder for young people to succeed on merit alone.
Quality of Life – Better healthcare, infrastructure, and overall stability in other countries make migration appealing.

[boskoboki]

The focus should be on improving governance and creating better opportunities locally rather than encouraging the brain drain. It’s not enough to just leave; we need to reform. Youth-led movements in places like Serbia have been calling for better education systems, more jobs, and less corruption. That’s the solution. Young people should be at the forefront of change, not running away from it......

Yeah, one of the biggest problems is that success often depends more on connections than actual skills or hard work. It doesn’t matter how educated or talented someone is—if they don’t have the right family name or know the right people, they’re stuck. A lot of young people feel like no matter how much effort they put in, they’ll always be behind someone who got ahead through nepotism. That’s why so many of them leave, looking for a place where their work actually pays off. Have you seen this happen around you?

[martabab]

The focus should be on improving governance and creating better opportunities locally rather than encouraging the brain drain. It’s not enough to just leave; we need to reform. Youth-led movements in places like Serbia have been calling for better education systems, more jobs, and less corruption. That’s the solution. Young people should be at the forefront of change, not running away from it......

Yeah, one of the biggest problems is that success often depends more on connections than actual skills or hard work. It doesn’t matter how educated or talented someone is—if they don’t have the right family name or know the right people, they’re stuck. A lot of young people feel like no matter how much effort they put in, they’ll always be behind someone who got ahead through nepotism. That’s why so many of them leave, looking for a place where their work actually pays off. Have you seen this happen around you?

Serbia needs serious political and economic reforms if it wants to stop young people from leaving. Corruption is a huge issue—getting a good job often depends more on who you know than what you know. This makes it really hard for young people to succeed on merit alone. Many feel like no matter how hard they work, opportunities are reserved for those with the right connections.
On top of that, low wages and job insecurity make it difficult to build a stable future. Even when young professionals find work, the pay is often too low to cover basic expenses, and many jobs don’t offer long-term security. Starting a business isn’t much easier either—high taxes and complicated bureaucracy discourage young entrepreneurs from even trying.
Political instability and a lack of trust in the government also play a big role. Many young people feel like their voices don’t matter and that real change is impossible. If Serbia wants to keep its youth, it needs to focus on real reforms—fighting corruption, ensuring fair hiring processes, raising wages, and creating better opportunities for career growth. Without these changes, it’s no surprise that so many young people see their future elsewhere.

[andreatra]

It’s not just economic reasons though, right? I feel like there’s also a cultural element—many young people feel disconnected from their home countries due to political instability, lack of trust in the government and overall feeling of cultural degradation.

Absolutely, it’s not just economic reasons driving youth migration from Serbia. While the lack of job opportunities and low wages are significant factors, there’s also a deeper, cultural element at play. Many young people feel disconnected from their home country, and a large part of this feeling stems from political instability and the lack of trust in the government.
Over the years, Serbia has gone through numerous political and social changes, but many young people feel like the country is stuck in a cycle of corruption, inefficiency, and stagnation. There’s a general sense that the political system doesn’t reflect their needs, and that their voices aren’t being heard. This can lead to feelings of disillusionment, especially when young people see that their efforts to create change are often overshadowed by entrenched political elites.
Moreover, many youth in Serbia feel that the country is losing its cultural identity. The pressures of globalization, combined with the political chaos and economic struggles, have led to a sense of cultural degradation. Young people often feel disconnected from their own heritage and traditions, as the country’s cultural institutions and values seem to lose importance amid the drive for economic modernization and political change. This sense of disconnection can leave many young people feeling like they don't belong in their own country or that their future is better elsewhere.
This cultural shift, paired with the economic challenges, makes migration seem like the only viable option for young Serbs who want a better quality of life and more stability. They want a future where their voices matter, where they can build a career based on merit, and where the country’s cultural heritage is preserved and valued. Without addressing these deeper cultural and political concerns, it will be difficult to retain young people in Serbia, regardless of any economic reforms.