The meeting on economic experts from the trade unions in Western Balkan and NIS countries was held on 10 June 2020 via Zoom platform, as a regular activity within the PERC programme and activities, with the financial support from the Swedish “Union to Union” trade unions. The meeting was attended by 44 participants, namely experts from SEE trade unions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, and NIS countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. The meeting was also attended by colleagues Sergejus Glovackas from ILO ACTRAV, Magnus Berge – ILO Budapest Office, Gocha Aleksandria - ILO Moscow Office, Anton Leppik – PERC Executive Secretary and colleagues from PERC Secretariat in Brussels, Moscow and Sarajevo.
Significant expert support, in form of presentations and answers to questions raised by participants was provided by prof. Bruno Sergi – ETUI, a permanent mentor of the Network of economic experts, Watt Michael – ILO ACTRAV expert, Leo Baunach – ITUC Office Washington and Bela Galgoczi – ETUI.
Topics discussed in the meeting were: (1) The economic impact of COVID-19 in SEE and NIS countries; (2) ILO prognosis and estimates – future of the labour markets and social protection; (3) Plan from recovery from the European perspective; (4) Changing IFIs narratives and opportunities for policy shifts.
Following every presentation, participants raised different questions, discussed the situations in their respective countries in reference to the COVID impact on their economies, responses of their governments, processes pertaining to the return to work and recovery. Considering the huge interest for more detailed discussions on economic situation and prognoses, it is planned to schedule the most convenient dates in consultation with experts and organise separate online meetings with experts from SEE and NIS countries.
Activity was organised by ITUC/ PERC Office Sarajevo. Working languages were English, Russian, Albanian and BCMS.
All the presentation may be found on PERC webpage in English, Russian and BCMS.
