Fourteen new social services were officially presented by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection at the event “Social Fund 2026 – Guaranteeing the Sustainability of Services for Citizens’ Well-being”, attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In 2026, the Social Fund will finance 14 new services dedicated to children and mothers in need, children and adults with disabilities, older persons, women and girls who are victims of violence, as well as children without parental care. Twelve of these services will be provided in the municipalities of Durrës, Prrenjas, Kurbin, Skrapar, Himarë, Kavajë, Vorë, Korçë, Mat, Patos, Cërrik, and Kamëz, while two new Emergency and Child Counselling Helpline services will be established at the regional (county) level.

The event brought together the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Prof. Evis Sala, representatives from all 61 municipalities in Albania, as well as international partners and civil society organisations.

Minister of Health and Social Protection, Prof. Evis Sala, described the Social Fund as a transformative empowerment mechanism, marking a clear shift from past practices to a sustainable, results-oriented model.

“This is tangible change. This is policy measured by results. For the first time in its history, Albania is able to provide community-based support across the entire country, ensuring at least one service everywhere, from the capital to the smallest municipalities,” Minister Sala emphasized.

The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said:

“The EU has a long tradition of investing in human capital, guided by the UN principle of ‘leaving no one behind.’ The European Social Fund enables millions of Europeans to find work, retrain, and re-enter the labour market, focusing on those most at risk of social exclusion. These priorities are strongly reflected in Albania’s National Strategy for Social Protection 2024-2030, which addresses poverty and vulnerability systematically and concretely, because strategies must lead to action, not just words.

Minister of Local Government, Ervin Demo, highlighted that the Social Fund guarantees the sustainability of social services at the local level.

The UNICEF Representative in Albania, Murat Shahin, stated:

“The Government’s Social Fund and EU Social Care Programme grants demonstrate how innovative financing can drive reforms for citizens. By enabling municipalities to develop solutions based on local needs, these mechanisms promote performance, creativity, and measurable results. They allow Albania to strengthen and expand models aligned with EU standards and the objectives of the European Child Guarantee. Investment in social care is both a human rights obligation and a strategic investment in Albania’s future, reinforcing human capital, social cohesion, and sustainable development.”

Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasised the responsibility of municipalities in including families in the social care system:

“Together with municipalities, we must increase family participation in this social care system. The example presented today was moving and motivating, encouraging more families to take part in this effort and to care for children who need not just shelter, but a home filled with warmth. Financing mechanisms must be developed with local authorities; mayors are key actors in promoting this approach and persuading families to engage. A dedicated fund should be allocated for this purpose.”

He also stressed the importance of effective implementation of the Social Fund in the context of Albania’s EU integration process:

“This is a clear example of the value of EU accession negotiations – not merely as procedural steps, but as milestones that raise standards and quality across every sector interacting with the EU. The European Union represents the most advanced model of social protection and welfare, providing comprehensive support for families, individuals, and vulnerable groups,” he said.

Currently, around 65,000 individuals in Albania benefit from various social services, of whom 46,000 are supported through the Social Fund. A total of 817 professionals work across social, health, and rehabilitation services.