This 2025 review of the performance of the Western Balkan Six (WB6) regarding the European Pillar of Social Rights has been conducted by the Employment and Social Affairs Platform 3 (ESAP 3) project, jointly implemented by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and funded by the European Union (EU). It builds upon assessments carried out in previous years and includes updated information from 2023 to 2025.
The WB6 have made considerable progress in aligning their employment and social policy frameworks with the European Pillar of Social Rights, as part of their broader efforts to prepare for EU accession. These reforms reflect a growing commitment to strengthening social governance, enhancing labour market resilience, and promoting inclusive growth in line with EU standards.
Through employment strategies, social inclusion programmes, and legislative harmonisation, the region is advancing towards closer integration with the EU’s social acquis while addressing persistent challenges such as informality, labour market segmentation, and limited social protection coverage. While the pace and scope of progress vary, whole region has demonstrated tangible commitments to advancing the social rights agenda.
The results are published on regional and national level.
Background
The Employment and Social Affairs Platform 3, which is financed by the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), conducts regular performance reviews of the European Pillar of Social Rights in the Western Balkans. The WB6 have committed themselves to use the European Pillar of Social Rights as basis for the development of employment and social policies.
More information
Main report: 2025 Regional Review
Details
- Publication date
- 5 December 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion