EU for Labor Market Inclusion: Building an Inclusive Labour Market in Albania

UNDP Albania

April 24, 2025

Group of people seated around a conference table in a well-lit room.EU for Labor Market Inclusion: Building an Inclusive Labour Market in Albania — EU4LMI Kickoff Event

UNDP Albania

With the aim of shaping Albania’s labour market landscape, the EU for Labour Market Inclusion (EU4LMI) project is placing vulnerable communities at the centre of national employment reforms. Funded by the European Union, the #EU4LMI is forging strategic partnerships to deliver inclusive employment and skills development opportunities across 19 municipalities—from Tirana and Durrës to Shkodër and Korçë.

At its core, EU4LMI aims to strengthen collaboration between the National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES) and local governments to ensure no one is left behind.

The project focuses on supporting people often overlooked by traditional employment systems —such as young people who are not working or in school (NEETs), young mothers, people with disabilities, and those who receive economic aid. Through 10 National Employment and Skills directorates, 17 employment offices, and 19 municipal social services, EU4LMI is activating a nationwide network for change.

The project is funded by the European Union, implemented by UNDP Albania, the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), with backing from the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation and other partners.

Together, they are developing a roadmap for Albania’s inclusive employment future—one that empowers, uplifts, and delivers dignity through decent work.

EU for Labor Market Inclusion: Building an Inclusive Labour Market in Albania — EU4LMI Active living - info sessions

UNDP Albania

From Strategy to Action: Local Projects Driving Impact

The project has three key pillars: Tailored Employment Support; Skills Development and Support Employment for people with Disabilities. All these pillars translate into tangible projects implemented by partner civil society organizations benefiting those most in need.

Tailored Employment Support

In Elbasan, Tjeter Vizion is working with 100 citizens coming from vulnerable communities providing customized counseling and job-readiness support over 16 months. Meanwhile in Korça, ARSIS is equipping 80 NEETs and young mothers with career planning tools, helping them reintegrate into the labour market.

In Durrës, Kavaja, Vlorë, and Mallakastër, NASW is strengthening local employment services for 200 NEETs and aid recipients, while LRER supports 60 Roma and Egyptian youth in Elbasan with pathways to social and economic inclusion.
Northern Albania also benefits: Terre des Hommes is delivering employment services to 200 citizens across Kukës, Kurbin, and Krujë, linking them with municipal services for long-term impact. In Elbasan, Cërrik, Librazhd, and Prrenjas, the Joscelyn Foundation targets 160 NEETs with employment outreach that bridges systemic gaps.

Skills Development

Focused on foundational competencies, COSV in Albania is training 60 citizens in Korçë and Pogradec over 12 months. In Elbasan and surrounding municipalities, Save the Children is implementing a 13-month program to upskill 207 citizens, including People with Disabilities and young mothers, through market-relevant, inclusive training.

In Tirana and Shkodër, Center for Competitive Skills (CCS) is running a 15-month project with a strong emphasis on employability for 200 low-qualified youth and adults.

Supported Employment for People with Disabilities.

In Gjirokastër, IPSED is providing 75 persons with disabilities tailored employment counseling and integration services. ANAD is supporting 100 hearing-impaired individuals across Tirana, Kamza, Vora, and Shkodër with personalized coaching and placement over 15 months. Finally, in Tirana and Shijak, the Jonathan Center is offering 80 people with disabilities supported employment pathways focused on building autonomy and confidence.

####

EU4LMI works for a more just and resilient society. With over 1,500 direct beneficiaries—plus support extended to CSOs, municipalities, and social enterprises—it is setting the foundation for structural, inclusive labour market reform. Through targeted investments, innovative solutions, and a people-first approach, the project is empowering those most in need and transforming the way Albania thinks about work, skills, and opportunity.

As the project unfolds, it promises a powerful lesson in what’s possible when collaboration, compassion, and capacity-building come together.