Unemployment and Social Exclusion in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The Republic of Macedonia received EU candidate status in 2005, and although the negotiations for its accession and the EU agenda are widely supported, the country is still struggling to comply with EU socio-economic standards. One of the challenges relates to the level of inclusiveness of the labor market and high unemployment among marginalized segments of the country. The aim of this study is therefore to examine structural disparities confronting the Macedonian labor market. This, specifically as it relates to unemployment as a common source of social exclusion. The study examines unemployment at multiple levels for various periods from 2004 to 2014. Despite several interventions by Government to reduce unemployment and to ensure a more inclusive labor market, findings show that the country is still struggling with high unemployment. Certain segments of the country are much more vulnerable to unemployment. The study observes that youth and citizens with Albanian or Roma origin are much more vulnerable to unemployment and at much higher risk of social isolation. Findings suggest notable regional disparities, but no notable disparity between male and female unemployment rates.