This European Training Foundation (ETF) assessment offers an external overview and analysis of evidence provided in the national Torino Process (TRP) report of the Republic of Serbia (hereafter Serbia), which was compiled by national authorities in 2018–19 with the help of a standardised framework questionnaire for national reporting (National Reporting Framework – NRF).
The themes discussed in the present report emerged on the basis of the NRF and in consultation with the ETF country and thematic team responsible for Serbia. The findings were verified in consultation with national stakeholders, who gave positive feedback on the applicability and focus of the assessment recommendations during a participatory workshop held in Belgrade on 22 May 2019.
This ETF assessment comes at an important point as the country prepares for the next multiannual cycle of reform implementation along the lines of these priorities, which includes preparation for European Union (EU) support through the next generation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance in 2021–27. The report is expected to help with the prioritisation of reforms and the design of actions by providing input to policymakers in the domain of education and training. The assessment findings complement the monitoring of the Economic Reform Programme (ERP) from a sector point of view.
Like other ETF assessments, this paper is not meant to be exhaustive. The national TRP report of Serbia covers various aspects around human capital development and use, while the focus here is on challenges that the ETF recommends addressing as a matter of priority.