The Aspen Institute has released its new study, capturing key insights and policy recommendations from its October 2025 Tirana conference. The publication analyzes how rapid technological shifts, demographic changes, climate pressures, and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the region’s labor markets and social cohesion. It highlights civil society as a key actor in managing structural change in the Western Balkans, particularly through its role in social dialogue, accountability, and inclusion during economic and green transitions. However, it notes that civil society’s contribution is constrained by limited institutional engagement, uneven political support, and insufficient integration into formal policymaking processes linked to EU-driven reforms. By addressing these transformative forces, the study provides a critical roadmap for fostering sustainable growth and navigating the Western Balkans’ path toward the EU. Read more here.
Source: Aspen Institute Germany
