The demand-led expansion of small business increased the share of GDP generated by the private sector and favourable inflation and exchange rates allowed the central bank to cut interest rates. In July 2000, Albania became a member of the World Trade Organization followed by the opening of European markets to Albanian imports. The still uncertain legacy of the Kosovo war continues to exact a price in instability in Albania, but the advent to power of Kostunica in Yugoslavia may herald an improvement in relations. There is increasing awareness of the need to strengthen the development of civil society and the provision of social services. There is almost no state social provision for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, who suffered greatly during the unrest.
Homelessness is perhaps the most visible sign of the present penury.
Many people who sold their homes for cash to invest in the pyramid savings schemes now swell the mass of people seeking welfare housing in the new shanty towns around Tirana. Poor health care, environmental degradation and pollution, rural disadvantage and the lack of civil society are cross-regional issues in the Balkans. Violence against women is a growing problem. Negative attitudes towards people with mental disabilities are deeply entrenched in state and society. The focus of services is on diagnosis not treatment.