European Commission releases its annual report on Roma inclusion [editar]
The report, to which FSG contributed, presents the progress made regarding the National Roma Integration Strategies and the Council´s Recommendation on Roma inclusion measures. The report highlights the importance of transnational cooperation and the EURoma Network, the Technical Secretariat of which is held by the FSG, is mentioned as exchange platform.
The European Commission has presented its annual report on the advancements made on the implementation of the EU tools for Roma inclusion: the European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the Council´s Recommendation regarding the adoption of effective inclusion measures for Roma in Member States.
The Commission urges Member States to demonstrate greater political will and a long-term vision to combat discrimination of Roma people. Frans Timmermans , First Vice-President of the European Commission, said: "Roma are part of our societies, and they are part of Europe. This report comes as a timely reminder for Member States to show more political determination and implement their commitments to integrate Europe's Roma communities. Member States should use to the full the relevant policy, legal and financial tools to ensure equal opportunities and Roma inclusion."
The report points out to the importance of transnational cooperation and mentions the EURoma Network (European Network on Social Inclusion and Roma under the Structural Funds), with the FSG as Technical Secretariat (www.euromanet.eu), as platform for exchange between National Contact Points for Roma Inclusion and ESI Funds Managing Authorities to improve the use of ESI Funds for Roma inclusion.
About the report
This year’s report:
- Assesses progress in the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies requested by the EU Framework.
Provides, for the first time, an overview of measures put in place by Member States following the 2013 Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures.
This Recommendation is the first legal instrument for Roma inclusion and complements the European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (see news item https://www.gitanos.org/actualidad/archivo/103394.html).
- Shares an assessment per country and shares examples of practices in the different thematic areas (education, employment, housing, health…).
Progress has been achieve but further efforts are still needed
Progress has been achieve but further efforts are still needed
The report stresses that Member States have made progress in a number of areas, such as linking the political priorities related to Roma inclusion and the use of European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in the 2014-2020 programming period and the role of the National Roma Contact Points in planning this funding.
But it also identifies a number of areas where further efforts are still needed:
- Member States invested in education as a means of integration: the majority of Member States reported measures relevant to early childhood education and care, early school leaving, inclusive education and individualised support. But not enough measures were taken against the exclusion from the workplace and forced evictions of Roma have continued in 2015 without any offer of alternative housing.
- Better use of EU funds for the integration of marginalised communities: the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds support social inclusion measures for marginalised communities, the regeneration of deprived urban areas and investments in human capital.Several Member States introduced a specific investment priority for the integration of marginalised communities, such as Roma, under the European Structural and Investment Fund(ESIF) It allows for explicit targeting and better monitoring of results. National contact points have also facilitated the distribution of the funding.
- Closer cooperation with civil society and local authorities: several Member States have established coordination structures for Roma integration, involving diverse stakeholders. National strategies are increasingly translated into local action plans, and the National Roma Contact Points are more closely involved in making the best use of EU funds. The Commission will support Member States in developing national platforms for Roma inclusion to ensure a more effective cooperation on the ground.
About the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies
In 2011, the European Commission adopted an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. This framework sets out a comprehensive approach in all key areas (education, employment, healthcare and housing), which interlinks the fight against discrimination and social and economic inclusion. All EU Member States – except Malta, which does not have Roma on its territory, have adopted National Roma Integration Strategies or integrated sets of policy measures based on this Framework (see Spanish Strategy http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/files/roma_spain_strategy_en.pdf). Annually, the Commission assesses progress made as regards the measures proposed and reports to the European Parliament and the Council.
In addition, the Council adopted in 2013 a Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States, the first ever legal instrument explicitly on Roma. The Recommendation provides guidance to Member States to make more effective their measures to achieve Roma integration and to strengthen the implementation of their National Roma Integration Strategies.