02/10/2024
FSG Internacional
The European Platform for Roma Inclusion (EPRI) took place on 1 October and focused on how to address territorial inequalities and harness spatial planning to promote Roma equality, inclusion and participation.
The European Roma Inclusion Platform brings together national governments, representatives of EU institutions and international organisations, as well as civil society organisations. It aims to stimulate cooperation and exchanges of experiences between the different actors on successful policies and practices in relation to Roma inclusion.
The opening speech was given by senior figures from the European institutions such as Equality Commissioner Hellena Dalli and MEP Mélissa Camara. Both stressed the importance of continuing to work together to achieve greater equality and inclusion of the Roma population. Among the challenges, the fight against anti-Gypsyism was highlighted as the main obstacle, present in all spheres of society, to achieve the aforementioned objectives.
On the other hand, specific workshops were organised, in which a complete and specific vision of the violation of essential rights was offered and how solutions and good practices were provided through a dialogue between all the interested parties. The topics covered in the workshops were:
- How can spatial planning contribute to tackling spatial segregation and environmental inequalities faced by Roma?
- The role of spatial planning in promoting e-inclusion and tackling digital inequalities.
- Strengthening Roma participation in spatial planning at local and regional level.
- The role of multi-level and multi-actor governance in promoting Roma equality and inclusion.
After analysing in plenary the main conclusions of each of the workshops, it was time to close the Platform, with the participation of Commissioners Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Values and Transparency, as well as Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.
Both reviewed the main milestones achieved in recent years prior to the European elections in June and the change of Commissioners in the Commission (scheduled for the end of 2024), highlighting the new European framework strategy for Roma inclusion, the European plan against racism and the New Multi Financial Framework.
Fundación Secretariado Gitano was privileged to participate and engage in discussions with the other guests from all over Europe through an active and constructive dialogue.
The development of the Platform could be followed in streaming through the website specifically designed for this purpose.
More information on the European Platform: https://17th1722847856564.site.digitevent.com/page/information/
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