Social Protection in the Western Balkans

“Social Protection in the Western Balkans” analyzes the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, that interrupted the marginal but positive socio-economic progress that was underway in the region, and the governments’ responses to it. From its onset, this pandemic was bound to be the most significant negative shock since the global financial crisis, ultimately affecting quality of life and putting the social protection systems around the world to a stressful test. The weakening of all main economic indicators will result in additional pressures on the society and increasing inequalities.

There is already a strong need to discuss and promote alternative systemic measures to strengthen existing safety nets and ensure resilience of social protection systems to potential crises. This regional analysis of the Western Balkans assesses the existing responses to the COVID19 crisis, focusing on the specificities and challenges in these countries. It offers possible measures both to ensure the future improvements to the social protection systems, and to facilitate the transition out of the crisis for the citizens of the Western Balkans.

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“Social Protection in the Western Balkans” analyzes impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the socio-economic processes in the region.

This rapid overview evaluates the current social protection policies and measures in the Western Balkans, and the systems’ resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. It concludes with possible measures as a policy response to the need for a stronger safety net during the times of crisis. Download publication

Infographics (Click to enlarge!)

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Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Dialogue Southeast Europe

Kupreška 20, 71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

+387 33 711 540
+387 33 711 541
info.soe(at)fes.de

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Infographics (PDF)

Download the PDF file containing visual representation of some of the key messages and findings on the Social Protection in the Western Balkans. (Infographics)

Social Dimension Initiative

»Social Dimension Initiative« aims to raise awareness for advancing social policy within the accession process of Western Balkan countries to the European Union.