Ilir, Anita, and Entela—19, 24, and 29 years old, respectively—are just three young people navigating today’s uncertain job market.

At a youth event hosted by the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), UNDP, and UNICEF, they were introduced to the Youth Guarantee and EU4Youth, an EU-funded project piloting the Youth Guarantee in Albania. The project aims to provide real opportunities for employment, skills development, and education.

But what exactly is the Youth Guarantee? And what does it mean for Ilir, Anita, Entela, and their peers, who are struggling to secure decent jobs, gain relevant skills, or access quality education?

Like many young people, they’ve faced barriers along the way.

“There’s nothing out there,” says Anita. “The skills employers need have changed, and school didn’t prepare me for today’s market.”

This is where the Youth Guarantee steps in. Created to ensure that every young person under 30 receives an offer of employment, education, or training within four months of registering with employment offices, it’s a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of an evolving labor market.

For Ilir, Anita, and Entela, and countless others, the Youth Guarantee promises to transform uncertainty into opportunity—a chance to gain the skills they need, find meaningful work, and build better futures in Albania.

“The Youth Guarantee is a European initiative aimed at combating high youth unemployment rates. Its core objective is straightforward yet ambitious: to ensure that all young people under 30 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship, or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education. This initiative is a key policy priority for the EU, designed to integrate young people into the labor market and educational systems effectively", says Jonas Dundo, the project manager.

Why Albania Youth Needs the Youth Guarantee

Albania's youth face significant employment challenges. In 2022, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15-29 was 22.5%, double that of the general working-age population. The rate of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) was a staggering 25.2%, more than double the EU-27 average of 11.7%. Additionally, a substantial gender employment gap persists, with women facing a 16% disparity compared to their male counterparts.
The situation is further complicated by the heterogeneity within the NEET demographic. Young people in Albania are categorized into several groups, each facing unique barriers:

• Young NEETs with family care responsibilities: Representing 17% of the NEET population, these individuals, mostly women, lack employability skills and need targeted support.
• Discouraged NEETs: Comprising 15% of the NEET group, these youth lack prior work experience and need social skills development and mentorship.
• Other Inactive NEETs: The largest group at 29%, requiring comprehensive strategies for registration and characterization.
• Long-term Unemployed NEETs: Making up 20% of the NEETs, these individuals, mostly men, need a combination of social, transversal, and professional skill development.
• Active NEETs: Despite having higher education, these 15% face barriers transitioning into the labor market and require re-skilling.
• NEETs with Disabilities: A small but important group (4%) that needs specialized assistance.
  Moreover, the net enrolment in upper secondary education stands at only 76.2%, and vocational education enrollment is at a low 17.5% for the 2022-2023 academic year.

These figures underline the urgent need for a system that bridges the gap between education and employment.
In response, Albania launched the Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan for 2023-2024. The plan focuses on policy coherence, partnership coordination, and effective resource use.

Supported by the EU for Youth project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF, the Youth Guarantee in Albania aims to improve the employability of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training. This initiative is critical in addressing the specific needs of Albanian youth.

Early Success Stories

In less than a year, the first tangible results of the Youth Guarantee are already visible.

Artedjo, 15, completed his compulsory education but felt unsure about his next steps. With guidance from the Youth Guarantee counselors within the Tirana employment office, he explored his talents and options, ultimately enrolling in the Vocational Technical Economic High School.

"The Youth Guarantee office suggested vocational education, and I immediately liked the idea. I’m grateful for their support in helping me take this step," says Artedjo.

Kristian Dhimitri, a 25-year-old from Albania, has faced significant challenges due to moderate autism. Stigma made it hard for him to find a suitable job. But thanks to the Youth Guarantee scheme, Kristian is now employed and is the primary provider for his family.

"I got a job with the help of the Youth Guarantee. I’m very happy with my job; it’s like a second family environment to me," he says.

Arjo, 28, spent months unemployed and uncertain before turning to the Youth Guarantee Office for support. As a young man with Down syndrome, adapting to a workplace was challenging. With careful counseling and assistance, he was employed in August 2024.

"Everything has changed in my life. I’ve never felt this good outside my home. Now I can earn money, and that makes me very happy," he says.

The Path Forward

The Youth Guarantee is more than just a policy—it's a commitment to Albania’s young people. By ensuring timely and quality offers of employment and education, the initiative aims to break the cycle of youth unemployment and inactivity, offering young people the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the modern economy.
By investing in youth today, Albania is paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for its next generation. And UNDP and UNICEF are working to make this vision a living reality.