27/06/2013
FSG
The central theme of the meeting was the urgent need to achieve progress on the inclusion of Roma children and youth, as particularly vulnerable groups within the Roma community. The agenda of the meeting focused on finding positive models of integration at different levels of education (from kindergarten to the end of compulsory education) and the transition from school to employment, as well as the component of health and basic care necessary for the welfare of children and youth.
In this context, the FSG participated in the European Platform meeting with a delegation of three persons, to present the results of the European project "Roma families get involved", a transnational project that has resulted in a practical guide methodology to involve families in the educational process of their children.
Another two issues were on the agenda of the meeting of the Platform: the empowerment of Roma (how Roma leaders can drive change), and monitoring the progress of the action on the ground, which includes monitoring the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies 2012-2020.
The Platform featured, among others, representatives of the Commission at the highest level: the Commission Vice President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding, the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor, and Hungarian MEP of Roma origin, Livia Járóka.
The Acceder programme of the FSG was again referred to as an example of best practice to be transferred to other national contexts by several participants, including Commissioner Andor.
The European Platform for Roma Inclusion was established in 2008 at the initiative of the European Council (Heads of State or Government) with the aim of supporting the development of policies for the integration of the Roma and of promoting mutual exchange and coordination between Member States, international organisations and civil society.
Additional information is available at: https://ec.europa.eu/justice/events/roma-platform-2013/index_en.htm
Photo: European Commission
