Youth Unemployment in Bih

The World Bank

Tackling Youth Unemployment in Bosnia and Herzegovina: My Generation’s View

By

Pašović Edin

Sarajevo, March 2014

Considering the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in terms of highly intense political turmoil and economic crisis, including the ever-growing preferences of the youth in leaving BiH, it is reasonable to say that youth unemployment is one of the major issues about which many discussions are run but very few solution strategies are developed. It is essential for this matter to be perceived as exceptionally significant for future economic development, but also the way of improving the current economic situation and the quality of life, in general. Institutional and economic changes of policies are necessary in order to take advantage of the economic potential.

Statistics show that youth in our country are the most vulnerable society members with unemployment rate of about 67%. Just to compare, European Union unemployment average is 10% in total and about 20% when it comes to youth. 37% of people aging from 15 to 35 would leave the country forever, 40% on a longer period of time and 9% have already made some concrete steps in doing so. Moreover, 9 out of 10 students do not receive any type of scholarship. These percentages are pushing BiH towards being a champion in so called “brain drain”.

It is like the system somehow suffocates enthusiasm and ambitions of young people who dreamt about being doctors or teachers or presidents during their childhood, but several years later make jokes on their own “bad luck” or even announce they are selling their diplomas on the Internet. It became a common belief that by finishing high school or graduating at faculty, you will spend several years seeking a job and there is a great possibility you will never find one. Employers are accused of supporting employability only by taking a bribe and are often included in grey economy activities. It is of highest importance...