In the latest edition of the EESPN Spotlight Series, we feature Yevgine Vardanyan, Deputy Director of Armenia’s National Institute of Labour and Social Research, whose work is helping shape some of the country’s most significant social protection reforms. From tackling extreme poverty and advancing integrated social services to supporting evidence-based policymaking and regional cooperation, Vardanyan…
In the March issue of the EESPN newsletter, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Anette Scoppetta as the new Executive Director, effective 1 March 2026. In her new role, she will continue to strengthen the European Centre’s bridge building activities together with colleagues working on BB and further advance collaboration across the network. You…
The European Centre has released the report from the online BB policy review, “Social Housing Policies to Support Access to Adequate and Affordable Housing,” held on 25–26 June 2025 in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. This report summarises insights gained during the BB Policy Review and aims…
The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research held its 51st General Assembly Meeting (GAM) on 22 and 23 October 2025 at the United Nations Office at Vienna, bringing together Board Members, National Liaison Officials (NLOs), and experts from across Europe and beyond. The meeting was opened by Andreas Schaller on behalf of the Austrian Federal…
The European Centre and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding covering the period 2025–2030. The agreement sets out the framework for continued cooperation in social policy development, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange. It reinforces the shared commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking and…
From 5-6 December 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Labour, and Transfers of the Republic of Kosovo hosted an insightful peer review dedicated to addressing the challenge of undeclared work in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. Peers from Albania, Armenia, and Moldova—representing Ministries, Labour Inspectorates, and Tax Administrations—came together to exchange ideas and best practices. The…
This report summarises insights gained during the Bridge Building Policy Review “Policy measures to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable groups” and aims at further sharing these with a wider audience.
This report provides information on how the partnership principle is currently being implemented in the Bridge Building (BB) countries of the European Centre.
The European Centre organised the 6th (and last) BB policy review in social welfare on 07 and 08 November 2023 on Policy measures to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable groups. Around 35 representatives registered from ministries and public bodies from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, and Ukraine. Excellent expert inputs were provided by UNFPA, Eurofound, the Slovakian Institute for Labour and Family Research as well as the Montenegrin Institute for Strategic Studies and Prognosis.
