TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu announced that the 2027 draft budget includes an allocation of 50 million euros to revise the “Baby Bonus” scheme. The initiative aims to transform the bonus into a monthly support payment for children up to the age of 5 from low-income families.
During an event in Korça, where there was presented a new model for childcare, Spahiu stated that the new scheme is scheduled to be implemented starting July 1, 2027.
“In the 2027 Budget, we plan to revise the Baby Bonus, transitioning it into a monthly support payment for children up to 5 years old belonging to low-income families,” the minister said.
She further noted that the draft budget includes a provision of 480 million lekë for the Social Fund, intended to support municipalities in establishing and expanding local social services.
“The Social Fund is another instrument included in this draft budget—amounting to 480 million lekë—designed to support the country’s municipalities in establishing and expanding local social services,” stated Spahiu.
According to the minister, 1.4 billion lekë has been allocated in next year’s budget for 28 social care institutions.
Focusing on the new model of child care, Spahiu emphasized that the goal is to shift away from institutional care toward family- and community-based services.
“Through the new law on alternative care and the Child Guarantee Plan 2026–2030, we are building a system that places the child and the family at the heart of social policies,” she said.
The minister highlighted Korça as an example of this transformation, noting the collaboration with local government, the European Union and UNICEF to expand this model nationwide.
“Every child deserves a family. Every family deserves support,” was the minister’s message from Korça.
According to Spahiu, child protection and family support must be central to social policies. “No child without care. No family without support,” she stressed. /m.m/a.f/p.s./
