In Sisak, in collaboration with CERANEO – Center for the Development of Non-Profit Organizations, we conducted a regional education event titled “Challenges of Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights in Sisak-Moslavina County.” This event was part of the project “Strengthening the Capacities of Civil Society Organizations in Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights in Croatia.” During the regional education event, participants were introduced to the project’s achievements to date, the significance of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) was emphasized, and specific obstacles to EPSR implementation in Sisak-Moslavina County were analyzed.
Professor of Social Policy at the University of Zagreb, Gojko Bežovan, delivered a presentation on the implementation of EPSR in Sisak-Moslavina County. He particularly focused on existing indicators related to equal opportunities, access to the labour market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion within the county. One of the primary challenges in monitoring ESPR lies in the lack of data at the county level. For example, crucial statistical data concerning the dropout rate from school, the NEET rate among youth, and similar statistics are not available. Additionally, there are some concerning statistics, such as Sisak-Moslavina County having the highest decline in GDP and population of all counties in Croatia, the most unfavourable age structure, and the highest percentage of blocked individuals in the working-age population in Croatia.
The implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Sisak-Moslavina County is of exceptional importance and necessity. The education event aimed to stimulate a discussion on this crucial topic with the goal of improving statistical monitoring in the county and proactively implementing preventive measures. By raising awareness and encouraging engagement, the organizers sought to effectively address the challenges faced by the county’s population.
The project “Strengthening the Capacities of Civil Society Organizations in Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights in Croatia” is supported with financial assistance of €89,258.86 from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants. The project’s objective is to empower the advocacy capacities of civil society organizations and other stakeholders to monitor and implement the European Pillar of Social Rights at the national and local levels. Civil society organizations in Croatia play a crucial role in promoting and protecting democracy and human rights.
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