The Commission has published the results of an assessment that looks at how Member States are implementing their national Roma integration strategies. The assessment highlights how the situation of Roma has changed since 2011.
Overall, the picture is slowly improving, for instance there is now greater participation of Roma in early childhood education and a declining rate of early school-leavers. On the other hand, the assessment also shows that as many as 80% of Roma are still at risk of poverty; although this figure is lower than in 2011.
First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: "The EU is built on the values of tolerance and equality. These values are not yet enjoyed by every EU citizen, and that is not acceptable. Member States have to accelerate their efforts to improve Roma integration if we are to put an end to the prejudices, segregation and discrimination still felt by Roma today."
Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said: "Supported by the Commission, EU governments have put in place strategies to integrate Roma – this is important, but a first step. Now is the time for Member States to implement them and make a real difference to people’s lives. Nowhere is this more important than education. Roma children should have exactly the same access to schools as others. Education is the key to better integration into society, opening doors to jobs and a better life for everyone."
The EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies has moved Roma integration higher up on national political agenda and helped set up the necessary goals, structures, funding and monitoring in order to improve integration across Europe.
However, in the areas of education, employment, health, and housing, improvements are unequal and modest, according to the assessment:
The Commission is calling for further and more coordinated efforts between the European, national, and local levels. This includes creating national Roma platforms, for example, which bring all these actors together to streamline the work with Roma communities. Member States must prioritise the fight against discrimination and antigypsyism, and focus on the integration of Roma youth, women and children.
(Page 12) Member States have put in place legal frameworks prohibiting discrimination, hate speech and hate crime, but the enforcement of EU legislation with regard to Roma remains a serious challenge. Overall, the situation has not improved over the years. Discrimination and racism affecting Roma is still present and widespread in all key areas. Hate speech and hate crime continue significantly to affect the Roma community.
Despite the lack of progress, some positive developments should be recognised, including:
The Commission supports Member States’ efforts in a number of ways, including work to enhance the role of national equality bodies and promote equality data collection.
Priorities to be addressed by Member States:
The important role of equality bodies in the fight against discrimination is mentioned as a strong point by stakeholders in their assessment of achievements and challenges (page 14).
Based on the assessment, the Commission will define the post 2020 Roma integration strategy, as called for by EU Member States. The Commission has also launched a public consultation to evaluate the effectiveness, relevance and added value of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. All citizens, organisations, institutions and other stakeholders are welcome to express their views through the public consultation open until 25 October 2017.
Taken from the European Commission Press Release and Midterm Review.
Further information here.