EU Assistance Programme in the area of social security: CARDS - Regional Assistance Programme

The subject of paper is one of the Assistance Programmes in the area of social security. The Social Institution Support Programme (SISP) has started with its preliminary activities in 2004, and it was finished at the beginning of 2008. The programme was intended for CARDS members - states from South East Europe, and it comprises the areas of pension insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance and family benefits. The aim of the Programme is a preparation for co-ordination of social security schemes in the region of South East Europe, which co-ordination will later be extended to all Members States. Another aim of the Programme is the adjustment of social security schemes to the European standards. During the Programme, 62 activities have been undertaken, among them two Ministerial Conferences, three Summer schools for social security, the publication of Glossary of Social Security Terms on national languages, installation of the SISP website within the website of Council of Europe, establishment of social security expert network and organisation of national trainings with the aim of educating civil and public servants who will deal with the co-ordination matters in the future.