The Need For Coordination Of Pension Systems In Balkans with a focus on Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo

Abstract

This paper will treat one of the social challenges facing the Western Balkan countries in the process of European integration, the need for coordination of the old agepension systems. Along with the economic cooperation, the social security coordination is an important aspect for the European integration of Balkan countries.After 2000, the social policy has taken a special attention in EU agenda, reflected onthe EU assistance projects for Western Balkan, with a regional approach. It was related even with the progress done by the Balkan countries in the process of EU integration. Macedonia is become a candidate for EU membership, whereas Albania after signing the Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the EU, is applying forbeing a candidate country. Kosovo is enjoying the independence 21 Some of the findings from a study on "Sustainability of pension system in Balkan", supported by ERSTE Foundation, 2009.2 On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence.and is in the processof state building, under the international assistance, but at the same time is inspiring for EU integration.