Kosovo*
The European Training Foundation is supporting Kosovo in developing education and training to boost employability, increase access to opportunities and promote social cohesion.
We cooperate with and complement the work of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in its support to Kosovo, which includes input to EU policy monitoring mechanisms, including the Economic Reform Programme, assessment of progress on the Small Business Act for Europe and wider human capital developments reported in the Torino Process.
Our support focuses on developing the role and capacity of national actors in policy advice to improve the employability of women and vulnerable groups. We also provide support to improve the VET system governance, in particular to enhance the quality of data.
Kosovo participates in the Torino Process, the Quality Assurance Forum, the development of digital skills, activities supporting the continuing professional development of VET teachers and trainers, and the network of centres of vocational excellence.
Read our 2025 update on Key policy developments in education, training, and employment (ETF, 2024). For a quick overview, see below:
2025 developments at a glance
⚖️ Governance and reform context
Policy implementation slowed in 2025 due to political developments, including elections and a prolonged institutional deadlock. While major reforms were delayed, work continued on drafting a new law on vocational education and training (VET), a key milestone under the Reform Agenda.
📊 Demography and economic trends
Kosovo remains one of the youngest societies in Europe, with 25% of the population aged 15–24, but continues to experience population decline due to emigration. The economy grew by 4.4% in 2024, supported in part by large remittance inflows (17.3% of GDP), though poverty remains high and labour‑market participation low.
🏫 Education system and reforms
The Education Strategy 2022–2026 continues to guide reforms focused on inclusion, quality, digitalisation and alignment with labour market needs. Recent legislative developments include laws on early childhood education and the education inspectorate, while pre-primary education has become compulsory in its final year.
🏫 Vocational education and training (VET)
VET reforms aim to strengthen labour‑market relevance through the National Development Plan and education strategy. Dual VET has expanded, with the first graduates completing programmes in 2025, and Sector Workforce Councils helping align education with industry needs. However, challenges remain in quality, completion rates and the relevance of skills provision.
🛠️ Work‑based learning (WBL)
A task force has supported the rollout of dual VET, with pilot programmes expanding across schools and sectors. Kosovo has joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), reinforcing efforts to connect training providers with employers and improve workplace learning opportunities.
💼 Labour market developments
Labour market participation (43.2%) and employment rates remain low, despite some improvement. The Employment Strategy 2024–2028 focuses on reducing skills mismatches, increasing participation of underrepresented groups and improving working conditions. Active labour market measures include wage subsidies (e.g. Superpuna) and training programmes, though coverage remains limited.
👦👧 Youth in focus
Youth unemployment has declined over the past decade but remains high, while the NEET rate (around 31%) continues to signal difficulties in school‑to‑work transition. The Youth Guarantee, piloted since 2024, aims to provide integrated support through training, employment services and outreach to vulnerable youth.
💻 Digital skills development
Digitalisation is a strategic priority under the education strategy, including investments in infrastructure, digital learning platforms and teacher competences. However, digital skills remain weak, with most students performing below basic levels in international assessments and significant gaps linked to socio‑economic background.
📉 Quality of education and skills outcomes
Learning outcomes remain a major challenge. International assessments point to low levels of proficiency in core skills such as mathematics, reading and science, while VET programmes do not yet sufficiently address foundational skills gaps or labour‑market needs.
Priorities for 2026
👉 Adopt and implement the new law on VET and adult education, strengthening governance, financing, quality assurance and system coherence
👉 Improve quality and relevance of VET provision, including stronger employer engagement, better work‑based learning and improved learner outcomes
👉 Strengthen data systems and evidence‑based policymaking, including education management information systems and labour market intelligence
👉 Expand and consolidate dual VET and Youth Guarantee implementation, supporting smoother school‑to‑work transitions
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.