Reform and rehabilitation efforts focus primarily on education, health and pension systems, poverty reduction, social inclusion and improvements to the social safety net. Accompanying infrastructure measures include the construction and/or modernisation of social housing, education, health and judicial facilities. Progress in this sector is a vital component of the Western Balkans’ efforts to align with the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly through the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy.
The WBIF liaises closely with the Regional Cooperation Council regarding social sector objectives. To date, social sector projects account for 17% of the WBIF portfolio. These include preparatory work and studies related to investments (feasibility studies, design, impact assessments, etc.), co-financing, strategic studies for the construction and modernisation of education, research and cultural establishments, healthcare and judicial facilities, as well as social housing and municipal and rural infrastructure.
