This study examines youth brain drain in the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership, and Türkiye, highlighting its impact on the youth sector. As talented young individuals increasingly seek opportunities abroad, mainly in EU countries, their home countries face significant human capital loss and long-term challenges.
The research analyzes the causes, consequences, and potential policy responses to this issue. It covers socio-economic and cultural effects, using a broad definition of "young people." The five chapters provide an overview of the situation, regional causes, detrimental effects, and policy implications, concluding with recommendations to transform youth brain drain into brain circulation, supported by insights from experts and youth workers.
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- Format
- Number of pages
- 54
- Pages
- 54
- Published in
- France
- Ref
- 126524ENG
- Size
- 4.46 MB
- Type of document
- Document
Table of Contents
- _heading=h.3rdcrjn 9
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- _heading=h.1fob9te 20
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- _Hlk173838505 46
- Executive summary 6
- 1. Aim and methodology 8
- 1.1. Aim of the study 8
- 1.2. Methodological framework 9
- 2. Youth brain drain: from theory to practice 10
- 2.1 Western Balkans 11
- 2.2. Eastern Partnership 14
- 2.3. Türkiye 19
- 3. Analysis of the causes of youth brain drain within the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye 22
- 3.1. Challenges in using education, skill-sector 23
- mismatches and lack of job satisfaction 23
- 3.2. Perceived lack of future opportunities, 24
- trust issues and a sense of insecurity 24
- 3.3. Geopolitical concerns 25
- 3.4. Normalisation of emigration 26
- in youth discourse and life projects 26
- 3.5. Rising social conservatism 27
- 4. Consequences of youth brain drain within the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye 30
- 4.1. Ageing society and social imbalance 30
- 4.2. Loss of human capital and labour market imbalance 31
- 4.3. Resentful youth 32
- 4.4. Weakened youth sector 34
- 5. Interventions on youth brain drain: needs and possible policy responses 36
- Need 1 – Strengthening trust, the social ties of 37
- young people and their sense of belonging 37
- Need 2 – Aligning policies and strategies 38
- Need 3 – Increasing non-formal education opportunities 38
- Need 4 – Strengthening cross-sectoral and holistic 39
- approaches to combating brain drain 39
- Need 5 – Addressing the fragility of the youth sector 39
- Need 6 – Addressing lack of spaces and infrastructure 40
- Conclusion 42
- Biographies 44
- References 46