EURoma Reference Document on calls for proposals [editar]

The transnational EURoma Network, coordinated by the FSG as Technical Secretariat, aims to promote the consideration of Roma equality and inclusion in the calls for proposals of EU Funds.

With its reference document "Calls for projects: a key element to achieve equality and inclusion of the Roma population", the European EURoma Network, that the FSG coordinates as Technical Secretariat, aims to promote the consideration of Roma equality and inclusion in the calls for proposals of EU Funds. 

This document aims to bring together, based on the experience of the Network partners (public authorities in charge of Roma policies as well as ESF+ and ERDF authorities in 15 Member States) aspects to be considered by the competent authorities in the design of calls for projects in the current programming period (2021-2027) to ensure that they lay the adequate foundations for future interventions to have the greatest potential to contribute to Roma equality and inclusion and to achieve social change.

Experience from previous programming periods has shown that calls for proposals are a key element for successful implementation as the way they are designed and planned determines to a large extent the characteristics of the projects and interventions that will be selected and implemented, as well as their effectiveness, efficiency and impact. 

While the document is addressed to the authorities responsible for the design of calls for proposals under the European Funds (in particular the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund), it may also be of use to other actors as it highlights the elements that have been found to be key to making interventions successful.

 These aspects include: 

• Duration. The implementation period of projects/interventions has proven to be one of the most relevant factors affecting the impact of funds. Experience shows that the longer the duration, the greater the impact.
• Scale. Larger projects (in terms of size/budget and geographical scope) have proven to have a greater potential to reach final beneficiaries and achieve significant social change.
• Actors involved. The role of the different actors (both managing and implementing bodies) and the partnership arrangements put in place are also particularly relevant. Having the right actors (whether public or private and whether national, regional or local) for the design and implementation of projects/interventions, as well as, where appropriate, the form and conditions under which collaboration and complementarity between actors takes place, have a significant impact on the successful and efficient achievement of objectives.
• Scope of projects and interventions. While there is a need to maintain support in key areas (employment, education, health, housing, anti-discrimination) given the remaining inequalities and successful approaches (e.g. personalised pathways), other options available under ESF+ and ERDF could also be considered (e.g. in the area of green and digital transformation).
• The integrated and comprehensive approach. In the case of marginalised communities and people, the complexity of their needs requires a multidimensional, multi-sectoral and integrated approach combining investments in different areas such as employment, education and training, health and housing, in line with the objectives of the National/Regional Strategic Frameworks for Roma equality, inclusion and participation.
• Elements to ensure that calls for projects contribute to Roma equality and inclusion, regardless of whether they are foreseen under ESF+ Specific Objective (j) Promoting the socio-economic integration of marginalised communities such as Roma or other specific objectives not specifically targeting Roma.
• Some ideas on simplification of administrative aspects, as this clearly has an impact on the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of interventions.