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1.2. Methodology
The data gathering process was
carried out in 2015,
during the final phase of the drafting
and adoption of the Operational Programmes for the 2014-2020 ESI Funds programming
period.
It is based on the
information gathered from representatives from the National Roma
Contact Points (NRCPs) and the Managing Authorities (MAs) (or delegated Intermediate
Bodies/Implementing Authorities) from fourteen countries currently involved in the
EURoma Network.
With the aim of obtaining comparable information from all countries, a template was used
as basis of the information gathering process. This template was prepared by the Network
Technical Secretariat and discussed with Network partners and European Commission
representatives regularly involved in EURoma activities.
EURoma partners were in charge
of providing the required information and, when needed, liaising with the bodies
(other
Managing Authorities or other bodies)
in the best position to provide the information.
Additional information, such as data collected in the context of Network meetings and
bilateral contacts along with desk research (using public sources and the programming
documents), was used to complement and refine the input gathered through the templates.
Preliminary results of the information gathering process were shared with EURoma partners
at the latest meeting of the Network held in Madrid on 23rd-24th November 2015. The
meeting allowed reviewing the information collected at that stage and agreeing on the
type of information to be included in the final report and the criteria for its classification.
Input from European Commission representatives
(Directorate-General Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion, notably the Units on Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction
and ESF Coordination)
was also considered.