TIRANA, Feb 11 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Wednesday that Albania’s European Union accession process is driving improvements in quality and standards across all sectors, describing negotiations as a catalyst for transformation rather than a mere procedural step.
The government head made the remarks at an event organised by the Health and Social Protection Ministry, where 14 new social services were unveiled under the “Social Fund 2026 – Guaranteeing the Sustainability of Welfare Services” programme.
Rama said the ongoing EU accession negotiations should not be seen simply as “exams to be passed” in order to secure a seat at the bloc’s table, but as defining moments that raise standards in every sector affected by alignment with EU rules and values.
He described the European Union as the most sophisticated mechanism of social support and welfare, with what he called the most advanced public support network for families, individuals and vulnerable social groups.
In 2026, the Social Fund will finance 14 new services for 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.
Twelve of the services will be rolled out in the municipalities of Durrës, Prrenjas, Kurbin, Skrapar, Himarë, Kavajë, Vorë, Korçë, Mat, Patos, Cërrik and Kamëz, while two regional-level emergency and child counseling services will also be established.
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