The Impact of European Integration on the Labor Market in Albania: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of the European integration process on the labor market in candidate countries for European Union (EU) membership, with a special focus on Albania. European integration brings a series of labor market reforms, including alignment of employment policies, increased labor mobility, and adaptation to the demands of an increasingly digitalized economy. The aim is to analyze key trends, challenges, and opportunities brought by European integration to the labor market, as well as to evaluate the policies and reforms being undertaken in Albania to meet EU standards. The comparative analysis includes Western Balkan countries and current EU member states, focusing on unemployment, employment structure, the impact of technology, and migration.