ESAP 3 is organising a regional kick-off conference Balanced Labour Markets in the Western Balkans: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Workforce on 22 – 23 October 2024 in Budva, Montenegro with the main labour market and social policy actors to discuss challenges, exchange ideas and explore strategic solutions.

This hybrid conference will gather representatives from the Western Balkans ministries in charge of labour and social issues, labour inspectorates, tax administrations, public employment services, and social partners. It will also host representatives of the European Union, partner international organisations and thematic experts.  The topics to be discussed will include but not be limited to tackling undeclared work, social dialogue, occupational safety and health, alignment of the Western Balkan economies with the European Pillar of Social Rights, EU Acquis Chapter 2 and Chapter 19, and cooperation of the Western Balkans Public Employment Services (PES) with the EU PES Network, as per the agenda below.

The conference is organised jointly by Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).