At the event “Social Fund 2026 – Guaranteeing the Sustainability of Citizen Welfare Services,” EU Ambassador in Albania, Silvio Gonzato, highlighted the launch of 14 new social services. These services target children and mothers in need, people with disabilities, the elderly, women and girls who are victims of violence, and children without parental care. He stressed that local-level leadership plays a critical role in promoting high standards of social protection, fighting social exclusion, and safeguarding public health.

Furthermore, Gonzato emphasized that strong local leadership ensures effective and inclusive social protection.

“Social welfare is the strength of a nation. The European Union has prioritized this issue from the very beginning,” he said.

He added that the EU focuses on promoting high-quality social protection, combating social exclusion, and supporting education, training, and public health. “While international advocacy matters, local-level implementation is equally essential. Local leadership is crucial for effective, inclusive social protection. The EU has a long tradition of investing in human capital,” Gonzato noted.

The Ambassador also highlighted Albania’s National Social Protection Strategy 2024-2030, which aims to systematically and concretely tackle poverty and vulnerability.

He pointed out that EU support for social protection in Albania is the highest in the Western Balkans.

“The European Social Fund is as old as the EU itself. It focuses on three main goals: equal opportunities, fair working conditions, and social protection. We insisted on clear targets to achieve by 2030. These priorities have also taken root in Albania,” Gonzato said.

He added that the fund has already financed more than 70 services and projects, with the EU as a key partner. Furthermore, the EU continues to invest over €100 million in projects that promote social inclusion and employment opportunities across Albania.