Croatia Strengthens Fight Against Poverty with Data-Driven Social Policy Project

This initiative will provide policymakers with a more detailed understanding of poverty at the subnational level, enabling the creation of more targeted and effective social policies.

The Croatian government has reinforced its commitment to reducing poverty and social exclusion through a groundbreaking project led by the Ministry of Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy (MLPSFSP). The initiative aims to develop a modern policy framework based on a comprehensive sub-national analysis of poverty and social exclusion.

The project, titled Support to Improve Poverty Diagnostic and Social Policies Monitoring, was funded by the European Union's Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the World Bank in collaboration with the European Commission. The results of the project were unveiled today, highlighting its role in enhancing Croatia’s social policy planning and monitoring.

This initiative will provide policymakers with a more detailed understanding of poverty at the subnational level, enabling the creation of more targeted and effective social policies. It will also establish an advanced monitoring and reporting system for the country's five national social strategic plans, fostering evidence-based policymaking and enabling progress tracking. Additionally, the project emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ensuring contributions from government institutions, social partners, academia, civil society, and beneficiaries.

State Secretary Margareta Mađerić highlighted the importance of the project, stating: "Our fight against poverty is based on a social safety net that ensures no one is left behind. The government’s focus remains on improving the standard of living, particularly for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those at risk of poverty."

Nathalie Berger, Director for Support to Member State’s Reforms at the European Commission, underscored the importance of this initiative in ensuring better working and living conditions in the EU: "We are pleased to support Croatia in tracking poverty and social exclusion, which will empower the authorities to design targeted support for the most vulnerable."

Ambar Narayan, World Bank Practice Manager for Poverty and Equity, also emphasized the importance of reliable data for effective policy planning, saying: "We are committed to helping Croatia create a fairer and more inclusive society through informed decision-making and strategic resource allocation."

The event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas on how to enhance the implementation and sustainability of the project’s policy solutions, ensuring a long-lasting impact on Croatia’s fight against poverty.