State of the art of VET systems in Albania and Kosovo - Observations and Comparisons

Like many other countries in the world, South East European and Balkan countries are experiencing a changing economic and social context, tinged by the effects of globalization, that includes rapid technological change, economic interdependence, a move towards free market economies, international migration movements, increasing calls for public accountability, and aspirations to active citizenship. More than ever, VET systems are expected to fulfill a dual role in supporting sustainable development. Their economic role is to support growth and competitiveness by providing relevant and high-quality skills; their social role is to contribute to inclusive societies by educating young people and enabling adults to gain additional skills, and by providing them with the key competences and values needed to ensure their employability and active citizenship. The countries selected to be introduced in this document are Albania and Kosovo. We will have a close look in their socio-economic and political backgrounds by sketching their dynamics, good practices as well weaknesses and challenges, priorities and future aspirations. They have both similarities, common aspect and correlations with each other, as well as specific contexts, individual features and differences. For example Albania is a post-communist country and similarities are to be found in terms of former centralization and planned economies with a former Yugoslav country like Kosovo. The last one is consider post-conflict country and despite that, has also inherited several common features from the previous common system yet particular in its national backgrounds. Albania is a candidate country for EU accession, Kosovo have submitted its official request to become such. The common walk that both countries have done or will still do towards the EU Integration and their efforts for enhancing the role and effectiveness of VET remains the main subject unifying them.