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National Roma integration strategies: common European framework

 

SUMMARY OF:

Communication (COM(2011) 173 final) on an EU framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE COMMUNICATION?

It invites EU countries to adopt national strategies aimed at improving the economic and social situation of Roma by 2020.

KEY POINTS

The European Commission presents common goals in relation to the inclusion of the Roma community that complement the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.

So as to reduce existing disparities with the rest of the population, before the end of 2011, EU countries were to propose integration strategies or packages of policy measures aimed at improving access by Roma to:

  • education, so that each child at least completes primary school;
  • employment;
  • healthcare;
  • housing;
  • basic services (particularly public water, gas and electricity networks).

Assessment of strategies

The Commission was to carry out an assessment of these strategies in 2012 and monitor their implementation, by means of a monitoring mechanism involving various groups. In this regard, it was to present annual monitoring reports to the Council and the European Parliament.

Lastly, the communication sought to encourage reforms and strengthen the European Platform for Roma Inclusion.

Implementation of national strategies

National goals for Roma integration were to be set, taking account of needs, constraints and the diverse situations in each EU country.

Integration strategies were to be prepared involving the parties concerned, in particular local and regional authorities, civil society and Roma representatives.

A single national contact point was to be created in each EU country to monitor action.

Funding

Sources of funding for national strategies were to be clearly identified. This funding may come from national budgets, structural funds or other EU funding (such as the Progress microfinance instrument or the Social Innovation Europe initiative) or international grants.

EU enlargement

European goals for Roma integration apply to the countries concerned by EU policy on enlargement. The Commission undertakes to support the efforts of those countries, including by increasing the funding available.

In addition, each country’s progress is monitored by the Commission and presented in the annual enlargement reports.

Council recommendation

In 2013, the Council adopted a recommendation on effective Roma integration measures. This covered action to strengthen Roma integration in:

It also addressed issues such as:

  • fighting against discrimination;
  • protecting Roma children and women;
  • translating national commitments into local action by reinforcing the involvement of local and regional authorities;
  • monitoring the impact of policies;
  • taking into account the work of ‘equality bodies’;
  • reinforcing the national Roma contact points; and
  • developing transnational cooperation.

BACKGROUND

For more information, see:

MAIN DOCUMENT

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 (COM(2011) 173 final, 5.4.2011)

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — A Union of Equality: EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation (COM(2020) 620 final, 7.10.2020)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies — 2019 (COM(2019) 406 final, 5.9.2019)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Report on the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 (COM(2018) 785 final, 4.12.2018)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council — Midterm review of the EU framework for national Roma integration strategies (COM(2017) 458 final, 30.8.2017)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Assessing the implementation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States — 2016 (COM(2016) 424 final, 27.6.2016)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Report on the implementation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies 2015 (COM(2015) 299 final, 17.6.2015)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Report on the implementation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (COM(2014) 209 final, 2.4.2014)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Steps forward in implementing National Roma Integration Strategies (COM(2013) 454 final, 26.6.2013)

Council Recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States (OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, pp. 1-7)

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — ‘National Roma Integration Strategies: a first step in the implementation of the EU Framework’ (COM(2012) 226 final, 21.5.2012)

last update 03.06.2021

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