Serbia
The European Training Foundation (ETF) cooperates with, and complements the work of the European Commission and the European External Action Service in its support to Serbia, including providing assistance to the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, contributing to the EU-Serbia bilateral policy dialogue.
The ETF is actively supporting the implementation of actions in the Osnabrück Declaration in the region, in close cooperation with its sister agency Cedefop. The Osnabrück Declaration sets out policy actions for the 2021–25 period, in support of the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. The national implementation plan for Serbia describes how the country plans to address EU priorities and achieve its national objectives in VET.
The ETF also gives input to EU policy monitoring mechanisms, providing progress on training and employment developments and wider human capital developments reported in the Torino Process, and gives input to the annual Economic Reform Programme review. It supports Serbian actors participation in European platforms and dialogue processes such as the Youth Guarantee, entrepreneurship schemes, European Alliance for Apprenticeship, and Erasmus+.
The ETF provides expertise and collaborates closely with public/private institutions assessing the future of skills for youth in the country through high-level policy dialogue reform structures, operational strategic national coordination structures, and technical working groups with key stakeholders supported by EU projects and programmes.
Read our 2024 update on Key policy developments in education, training and employment (ETF, 2024). For a quick overview, see below:
2024 developments at a glance
🏛️Legislation and policy reform: a new government, formed in May 2024, restated EU integration to be the strategic goal of Serbia. In terms of national planning and EU cooperation, The Economic Reform Programme 2024-2026 was incorporated into the EU-led Growth Plan and Reform Agenda, strengthening the alignment between Serbia’s economic and social reforms and the EU’s convergence objectives;
✅ Early school leavers: the rate of early school leavers rose slightly to 5.8% but remained below the EU average of 9.7%;
👩🎓 Educational initiatives and policies: the Strategy for the National Development of Education 2030 for all educational levels continued its focus on education for sustainable development, digital skills development, and lifelong learning. The Action Plan 2024-2026 for implementing the strategy was finalised, although not yet launched;
🏫 Vocational education and training (VET): the Office for Dual Education and Qualifications carried on its key role in the sector alongside the Ministries of Labour and Education. More than 200 qualification standards are now developed, better aligning qualifications with labour market needs. The proportion of students choosing upper secondary VET education remains high, 74% vs. an EU average of 48.7%;
🛠️ Work-based learning (WBL): the commitment to high-quality dual education and expanding on-the-job training and work experience targets the successful integration of young graduates into employment;
💼 Labour market developments: the Employment Strategy 2021-2026, supported by the Action Plan 2024-2026, aims to improve labour market efficiency by addressing skills mismatches, closing skills gaps, and promoting the creation of high-quality jobs. While unemployment has declined to 9.5% in 2023, challenges remain in increasing workforce participation, among women, young people, and vulnerable groups, underscoring the need for targeted interventions;
👦 👧 Youth in focus: the implementation of the Youth Guarantee targets the higher incidence of young women not in employment, education or training (NEET) and addresses the high level of skills mismatch, particularly affecting young graduates and women. However, staffing and funding gaps remain;
💻 Digital skills development: the Strategy for Digital Skills and Development 2020 – 2024 made progress on upgrading digital infrastructure in schools, delivering digital skills for citizens, and implementing ICT training programmes for employees. Turning Serbia into a knowledge-based economy with high-quality jobs is a strategic priority.
Priorities for 2025
👉 Strengthen early childhood education and care and accelerate the implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), with a greater focus on the quality and scope of non-formal education and higher education. Ensure that the policy and institutional framework for quality assurance in higher education aligns fully with ENQA recommendations.
👉 Continue the roll-out of the Youth Guarantee, with a particular focus on outreach, led by the Ministry of Labour in coordination with the Ministry of Education, the Office of Dual Education and National Framework, and the Public Employment Service.