European Commission launches strategy for Roma people integration

[News_Editor]

European Commission launches strategy for Roma people integration

2011-04-06 03:56:16 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Commission on Tuesday launched the European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies for the integration of Roma people.

The EU strategy will help guide national Roma policies and mobilize funds for supporting integration efforts. In Europe, at least 10 million Roma people face discrimination, exclusion and the denial of their rights.

"Despite some good intentions from national politicians, too little has changed in the lives of most Roma over the last few years," said the Commission's Vice-President Viviane Reding. "Member States have a joint responsibility to put an end to Roma exclusion. This is a serious challenge."

The framework has four objectives: access to education, jobs, healthcare and housing. The Commission urged Member States to set national strategies for Roma integration according to the population on their territory.

Reding remarked that the success of the strategy lies on a clear commitment from all capitals, regions and cities in Europe to put it into practice. The Vice President said at least all Roma children must complete elementary school in any Member State.

"The persistent exclusion of Roma people is unacceptable in a Europe built on principles of equality, democracy and the rule of law. The living conditions of the majority of Roma and their relations with mainstream society have just worsened in recent years," said László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

Roma people in Europe live in considerably worse socio-economic conditions than the population at large. According to a EU survey, only 42 percent of Roma children has basic education studies. The EU average is of 97.5 percent.

The European Commission also proposed solutions for using more effectively EU funds that can support Roma integration projects. Member States will be able to amend their operational programs co-financed by Structural Funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

In addition, the Commission intends to establish a robust monitoring mechanism to measure results and ensure that the national strategies are having a positive impact on Roma people.

The EU's Fundamental Rights Agency will play a key role by collecting data on the social and economic situation of Roma. The monitoring body will work in cooperation with other organizations.

Roma people are the biggest minority in Europe with between 10 to 12 million individuals. The term "Roma" is used as an umbrella term for the Roma, Sintis, traveler and gypsy communities.

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