Labor markets face shifts in Europe and the Balkans

Labor markets in Europe and the Balkans are experiencing significant shifts regarding skilled migration and employment availability. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a paradox exists where employers in the service and construction sectors struggle to find workers despite high unemployment rates. Notably, Lidl received 13,000 applications for 1,000 positions, suggesting that workers may be seeking better conditions or more stable employers rather than just any job.

In Germany, the demand for foreign skilled labor remains high, yet many qualified immigrants work in low-skilled positions due to complicated recognition processes. Approximately 12.5% of foreign workers with university degrees are employed in unskilled roles. Simultaneously, the German job market is seeing a shift for younger workers; data from Indeed indicates that entry-level job postings have dropped significantly since 2022, particularly in IT and marketing, returning more leverage to employers.

Additionally, Italy has announced its Decreto Flussi rules for 2027, which includes specific quotas for non-seasonal work. Countries in the Balkan region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, are included in these quotas, providing opportunities in sectors such as construction, tourism, and healthcare.