Western Balkans Employment Regulations Under Transformation

Countries in the Western Balkans are also witnessing significant transformations in employment laws, aligning their frameworks with EU standards. As these nations move closer to EU integration, they are implementing reforms to improve labor rights and ensure compliance with international labor standards.

In Serbia, for example, amendments to the Labor Law now mandate more detailed employment contracts, increased protections for remote workers, and improved parental leave policies. Bosnia and Herzegovina has introduced similar reforms, emphasizing anti-discrimination measures to ensure equal treatment in the workplace, irrespective of gender, age, or ethnicity.

A crucial focus across the region is addressing the informal economy, which continues to employ a large share of the workforce. Governments are intensifying efforts to formalize employment relationships, offering incentives for businesses to register employees and imposing stricter penalties for non-compliance. Such measures are expected to enhance job security and contribute to social security systems.

However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the effective enforcement of these new regulations. Weak institutional capacity and limited resources often hinder implementation, necessitating greater investment in labor inspection and dispute resolution mechanisms.