Countries in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union have made progress in transitioning to market economies, but job opportunities are still limited. The main reasons for this are the small size of the private sector creating jobs, firms being hesitant to restructure due to risks, strict employment laws hindering hiring, and a lack of skilled workers. To improve job prospects, these countries need to enhance the investment climate to attract new businesses and help existing ones grow. They also need to reform labor laws to protect worker rights while allowing employers to adjust their workforce according to market demands.