On 22 April 2026, an informative meeting dedicated to the reforms within the Social Insurance Administration Project (SIAP) was held at the premises of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region in Strumica. The event was organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth in cooperation with the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, representatives of the SIAP Project Management Unit, local self-government representatives, members of local social protection councils, as well as representatives of the Citizens’ Association Center for Research and Analysis “NOVUS”.
During the meeting, the key reforms implemented under SIAP were presented, including:
- establishment of the Single Unified Registry System for mandatory social insurance (SURS),
- establishment of a Unified Disability Assessment System through the Central Disability Certification Coordination Unit (CDCCU),
- reform of the employment system for persons with disabilities,
- reform of hazardous occupations and early retirement policies.
The meeting was opened by Ms. Drita Asllani, State Adviser at the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, who presented the reform processes and their importance for the modernization of the social protection system through digitalization, institutional integration, and simplification of administrative procedures.
Furthermore, Ms. Elena Kochoska presented the component related to the establishment of the unified disability assessment system through the CDCCU, while Ms. Irena Karakashev presented the Single Unified Registry System (SURS) and its role in data exchange and increasing administrative efficiency.
During the discussion, participants shared practical experiences and raised questions related to the implementation of reforms at the local level, the functioning of the new systems, and the availability of data concerning persons with disabilities. The need for improved coordination, additional information sharing, and strengthening of local capacities was highlighted.
The meeting contributed to a better understanding of the reforms and confirmed the importance of continuous cooperation and communication between central and local institutions for the successful implementation of the reform processes within SIAP.
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