Content
The ongoing European Union (EU) accession processes offer chances to advance social and economic participation in the Western Balkans. Local commitment to development, the 2030 Agenda, and the Leave No One Behind principle support these efforts.
However, challenges remain. High unemployment, poverty, and unequal pay affect women and other vulnerable groups disproportionately. Many face multiple discrimination and limited access to social services and inclusive employment. Employers struggle to recruit and retain staff, exposing a gap between available support and labour market needs. At the same time, public institutions and businesses lack effective tools to facilitate and deliver inclusive services and ensure access to decent work.
Objective
Local governments in the Western Balkans have improved the social and economic participation of women and other vulnerable groups.
Approach
The project operates across the Western Balkan and focuses on three core areas:
• Regional exchange: It supports advocacy initiatives and facilitates regional exchanges as well as needs-based trainings to enhance local government associations, enabling them to help municipalities address socio-economic challenges.
• Evidence-based social services: The project supports municipalities in collecting and analysing community data to develop targeted support services, outreach activities, and inclusion programmes based on identified local needs.
• Economic participation and labour market activation: It provides training on inclusive management and employment practices, along with advisory services for municipalities and private employers to promote job opportunities for vulnerable groups.