The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare introduced 14 new social services today. This was part of the event “Social Fund 2026 – Guarantee for the Sustainability of Citizen Welfare Services.” Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the event.

During his speech, Rama emphasized the importance of EU membership negotiations. He explained that these are not just “passable exams” but processes that raise quality in every sector aligned with European standards.

The Prime Minister said negotiations are more than a bureaucratic step to sit at the EU table. Instead, they are moments that shape national policies and standards according to EU values. These include social support and welfare that the EU provides to member states.

Rama stated: “This is a concrete example to understand the importance of membership negotiations. They are not just exams to pass in order to finally sit at the EU table. Rather, they are moments that increase the quality level in every sector influenced by EU interaction. Certainly, the EU offers the most advanced support and social welfare system. It has the most sophisticated state support network for families, individuals, and vulnerable social groups.”

In 2026, the Social Fund will finance 14 new services. These services will target children and mothers in need, children and adults with disabilities, the elderly, women and girls who are victims of violence, and children without parental care. Specifically, 12 new services will be offered in the municipalities of Durrës, Prrenjas, Kurbin, Skrapar, Himarë, Kavajë, Vorë, Korçë, Mat, Patos, Cërrik, and Kamzë. Meanwhile, two new services—Emergency and Child Counseling Lines—will operate at the county level.

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