Memo: International Roma Day: Commission calls for decisive action to further Roma integration

To mark International Roma Day on 8 April 2013, the European Commission has underlined the need for further efforts by the Member States to improve the situation for Roma communities in Europe. Despite efforts in the Member States towards Roma integration, much more progress has yet to be made at national level to fight discrimination and improve access for Roma to employment, education, housing and healthcare in particular.

Since 2010 the European Commission has continually been keeping Roma integration high on the political agenda: thanks to the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies all Member States now have national integration strategies which the Commission evaluates every year. The next progress report will be presented before summer 2013.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: European Commission calls on Member States to implement national plans for Roma integration http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-commission-calls-on-member-states-to-implement-national-plans-for-roma-integration/

ESO: Background Information: Communication from the Commission - National Roma Integration Strategies: a first step in the implementation of the EU framework http://www.europeansources.info/record/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-s/

ESO: Background Information: Roma integration: national representatives discuss progress and pool ideas http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-roma-integration-national-representatives-discuss-progress-and-pool-ideas/

EurActiv, 09.04.13: Commission wants Roma NGOs involved in spending EU funds http://www.euractiv.com/socialeurope/commission-wants-roma-ngos-invol-news-518970

FRA: News, 08.04.13: More work is needed to ensure Roma integration policies are implemented in practice http://fra.europa.eu/en/news/2013/more-work-needed-ensure-roma-integration-policies-are-implemented-practice

European Commission: SPEECH/13/347: Roma integration can make key contribution to competitiveness http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-347_en.htm

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