5 new Flash Reports prepared by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) are now available and provide information on recent social policy developments in Austria, France, Kosovo* and Poland.

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Austria: The long-awaited reform of long-term care is now on its way, but turns out to be less encompassing than expected

A reform of long-term care (LTC) was adopted by parliament on 14 July 2022. It comprises measures regarding three main areas, namely training of LTC staff, working conditions in LTC, and the financial situation of caring relatives. At the same time it falls short of addressing a number of major structural challenges facing  the Austrian LTC-system.

France recognises a fifth branch of the social security system centred on autonomy

France is still waiting for a major reform of long-term care, which was expected in early 2022. The creation in August 2020 of a new social security branch on autonomy was admittedly a significant preliminary reform, following one of the recommendations of the 2019 report by the President of the High Council of Financing for Social Protection. The question is now how this new social security branch will be organised and funded. This is in the hands of the Minister for Solidarity and Health, who intends to increase involvement of the public authorities – central state and local authorities – in this sector, and to fund this fifth risk from the social security budget.

Kosovo* prepares an improved approach to social renting and a new affordable homeownership programme

The Government of Kosovo plans to increase the availability of social rental dwellings in parallel to offering affordable homeownership for 4,000 households. The new homeownership programme will cost the government €22M annually, although funds will be partially replenished through monthly instalments (€120 and €150 respectively), paid by the new owners over a period of 120 or 150 months.

Poland: How good practices can be used to inform the reform of social services and reduce the intergenerational transmission of poverty

The reform of social services in Poland was voted by parliament on 19 July 2019. This reform is currently being implemented and it is essential that the proposed solutions be grounded in good practices. An example of such a practice is the development of integrated support for families with children with multiple needs and long-term recipients of social assistance. Three cities in Poland (large, medium-sized and small) have successfully implemented innovative projects funded by the European Social Fund which could inspire the planned policy changes.

Poland: Improving coordination of primary care in Poland

In 2018-2020, the government undertook a pilot project on coordination of primary care services. The project showed that care coordination brings positive results in terms of improving patients’ quality of life, but results in increased use of medical services and high expenditure. The Ministry of Health announced a reform of primary care introducing elements of care coordination, particularly for patients with chronic diseases, and improving prevention.

(*) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.