Social inclusion and social protection in Albania
Publisher: Institute for Contemporary Studies, Tirana, Albania
Rr. Vaso Pasha No.7
Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 42 47146, 51010, 51020
Fax: +355 42 34868
http://www.ics-al.org
a report for the European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, by the Institute for Contemporary Studies (ICB), Albania
(full report and summary attached in English; summary also in Albanian)
Following the collapse of the communist regime in 1991, Albania embarked on a series of structural reforms towards democracy and free market economy. The liberalisation and privatisation reforms in Albania – one of the most centralised economies of the former communist bloc, led to the entire transformation of the national production structure. This process had a tremendous impact on the country’s economic and social affairs. This complex situation came about partly as a result of the institutional failure. Social protection was among many aspects of socio-economic life where institutions failed to provide a solid frame for transitional reforms. Vulnerable social groups “at risk” of being excluded or falling into the poverty trap could not be properly cared for by social policies and social protection, thus leading to widening gaps between those groups and the rest of society.
Seventeen years from the fall of communism, following the completion of many reforms and improved economic conditions, the need for qualitative social services and protection has become more prominent. Efforts to improve social protection and inclusion are being intensified. This has brought the need for monitoring, especially in terms of the link between poverty reduction and social exclusion, so that reducing poverty does not bring more social exclusion and social gaps between different social groups.
Tackling social problems through proper policies and institutions is ranked high on the national political agenda, as a result of many factors related to the country’s stage of transition and economic development as well as Albania’s efforts to successfully fulfil the Stabilisation and Association Agreement requirements and get closer to EU accession.
The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of Albania’s accession perspective in the area of social protection and social inclusion. The report aims to present up-to-date and relevant analysis and information on the structure of Albania’s social protection system, the extent and pattern of poverty and social exclusion, and the envisaged plans for reforms of pension and healthcare systems.
albania_summary_en.pdf (228.52 kB)
albania_summary_al.pdf (231.55 kB)
albania_study_en.pdf (1.53 MB)
