The new EU social protection strategy is released: European standards and no corruption

2024-07-02 19:03:58, Kosova & Bota CNA

The new EU social protection strategy is released: European standards and no

In Tirana, the authorities published today the new social protection strategy for the next 5 years, which aims to support children, women, young people and families in difficulty.

Western diplomats and donors requested, during a joint conference, the achievement of European standards for social protection, away from corruption, and employment for young people, as a main tool in the fight against poverty and inequalities.

Through financial support schemes, the new social protection strategy until 2030 published today aims to alleviate poverty for people in need as well as improve the lives of people with disabilities, to protect them from risks and crises.

The head of the EU Delegation in Albania, Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, said that EU membership is not only about the adaptation of European laws, but also about the belief in common values ??such as fair social coexistence, placing the person at the center of every care, such as his human rights, working conditions and social protection.

"As everywhere in Europe, Albanian citizens also expect to have quality, accessible, efficient and corruption-free public services. The goal is to establish a modern system of social protection, with the same benefits for all citizens of Albania and especially for the most vulnerable, who are at risk, with different disabilities in cities and remote areas. The EU supports this strategy with direct funding, promoting anti-unemployment policies, supporting youth employment, social protection, education, employment services for groups at risk, poverty and social exclusion," said EU Ambassador Gonzato.

The Albanian authorities in this field affirmed that the new strategy is a guide in the field of social welfare, with the aim that no one is left behind, but that everyone can build a life in well-being, in equal conditions regardless of gender, economic status and social or political beliefs.

"We have a document that will serve to alleviate poverty as well as the further social, economic and political empowerment of women. The new national strategy for social protection 2024-2030 is ambitious and brings several innovations, which will contribute towards our common vision", said Mrs. Koçiu.

In the strategy published today, protection is ensured for children in the first place, as well as girls and boys, men and women, to face challenges and difficulties from disabilities to poverty and social exclusion.

" Social protection is a human right, and it is not about charity, compassion, but it is related to the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination, participation, transparency and accountability. The new strategy speaks directly to the main goals such as the end of poverty, gender equality , and a series of other problems and we are pleased that the authorities are committed through this strategy, to deal with these ongoing issues" , says the permanent coordinator of the UN in Albania, Fiona McCluney.

According to the representative of UNICEF in Albania, Murat Shahin, this new strategy is the beginning of more progress in Albania's European journey, because it brings a powerful vision in terms of supporting children and caring for them.

"We hope to establish the EU's Child Guarantee model to tackle poverty and social exclusion, and this is a new start for the country," Mr Shahin said. He recalled that from 2015 the European Child Guarantee contains investment programs for them, to avoid poverty and social exclusion, free health care and education, as well as additional support during their childhood.

Health, education and social protection receive approximately half of the Albanian state budget, public spending on social protection, as the authorities claim, has a tendency to increase, while the poverty rate is decreasing.

Albania ranks among the countries with the highest percentage of people with disabilities at risk of poverty and social exclusion./ VOA