This ETF assessment offers an analysis of evidence provided in the national Torino Process report of Belarus (RIPO 2019), which was compiled by the TRP national coordinator and endorsed by the national stakeholders, following a standard analytical framework. The evidence collection included for the first time focus groups discussions in selected regions. The assessment summarises the main challenges with the development and use of human capital in the country and discusses how education, in particular VET, and labour market policies can contribute to their resolution.
This ETF assessment comes at an important point as the country prepares for the next Eastern Partnership multiannual programme. Launched in 2009 as a joint policy initiative, Eastern Partnership aims to deepen and strengthen relations between the European Union (EU), its Member States and its six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. In May 2020, all six Eastern Partnership countries and the EU will launch the third phase of the initiative and agree on the new ambitious work plan, revising the 20 Deliverables for 2020. It will aim at bringing tangible benefits to the lives of citizens across the region. In this context, cooperation between the European Union and its six Eastern partner countries will focus on working towards stronger economies, stronger governance, stronger connectivity and stronger societies.
In the country context the timing of the assessment is important and means it can be used to inform the new 5-year development plan (2021-2025). In addition, the assessment will inform the new EU programming and, more precisely, the support to regional investment and competitiveness and to VET and employment.
The assessment process included an extensive phase of desk research based on responses to a standardised questionnaire, the National Reporting Framework (NRF), and the preparation of an issues paper with an overview of themes to be discussed in the present report, which were then finalised in consultation with the ETF country and thematic team responsible for Belarus. A presentation of issues and opportunities was discussed at a consultation meeting held at RIPO in December 2019 to verify the findings and recommendations.
Like other ETF assessments, this paper is not meant to be exhaustive. The national report covers a broad selection of issues around human capital development and use, while the focus here is on challenges which the ETF recommends addressing as a matter of priority.