EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE

Abstract

With the end of socialism, South East European societies experienced a most dramatic increase in poverty and socio-economic inequality. Some might have hoped that the transition from the generalized inefficiency of bureaucratic social- ism to Western-style capitalist market economies would bring Western-style mass prosperity to South Eastern Europe, but the actual experience of social polarization proves the opposite. The Lisbon strategy (valid 2000-2010; its successor is “Europe 2020”) is aimed at transforming Europe into the world’s most competitive knowledge economy. Research and innovation as well as participation in education and lifelong learning are seen as key variables to reach these goals. Universities were – like schools – identified to play a central role in achieving these goals. Quality education is one of the main prerequisites for the development of each society. The Bologna Declaration signed in 1999 by 29 ministers responsible for education launched the Bologna Process. Today there are 46 signatory countries.
For the purposes of this article, effective education for employment is defined as: “the development and assessment of the requisite skills, knowledge and behaviors that constitute an effective employee in the 21st century”. In some countries, this is collectively described as a ‘skill set’. Levels of skills and education are vital components in the skills race and will increasingly determine the economic fortunes of many countries. Many education challenges are now related to behaviors. It is becoming increasingly important for workers to have the right attitude, a willingness to learn and an understanding of how to conduct themselves in the workplace. These are the transferable qualities that many employers are seeking.
The economic downturn has hit the employment prospects of low-qualified people working in rich countries harder than their more highly qualified counterparts. The level of education is crucial to the successful implementation of population in the labor market. The availability of education and training for certain work activities contribute to personal fulfillment and provide a higher standard and quality of life. Increasing the educational level of the people is an opportunity for the optimal exploitation of the workforce and for more active involvement in society of marginalized segments of the population.