Debate: The situation of marginalised Roma communities in the EU
Date: THURSDAY, 7 APRIL 2022
Speaker: Helena Dalli
Language: EN

The Framework’s seven objectives and headline targets allow for effective monitoring and measuring of the progress achieved by Member States. As requested, most Member States have adopted new national Roma strategic frameworks. The Commission is currently assessing them and will publish a report on the implementation at national level later this year.  More work is needed, of course, to improve the social and economic inclusion of marginalised Roma communities. The Roma survey conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, found that 80% of Roma continue to live below the ‘at risk of poverty’ threshold of their country.  Every third Roma lives in housing without tap water. One in 10 in housing, without electricity and every fourth Roma, that is 27%, and every third Roma child, that is 30%, lives in a household that faced hunger at least once in the previous month. When asked if the total household income is sufficient to make ends meet, 92% of Roma surveyed indicate that they face at least some difficulties in this regard, with 4 to 5% facing great difficulties.  The European Social Fund plus (ESF+), part of EU cohesion policy for years 2021-2027, has, under its policy objective four, a more social and inclusive Europe, a specific objective for funding the socio-economic integration of marginalised communities such as Roma people.  I call on Member States to use the good opportunity provided by the current momentum, when the partnership agreements and Cohesion Policy programmes are about to be adopted, to ensure that the marginalisation, exclusion and segregation of Roma is addressed in the most effective ways.  This is particularly relevant for Member States with a significant Roma population. Through its Citizens Equality, Rights and Values Programme, the European Commission makes available EUR 12 million for projects combating all forms of discrimination. The objective of the specific calls for proposals that are issued is to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination, including combating manifestations of anti-Gypsyism.  With the outbreak of Russia’s military aggression towards Ukraine, millions of people are fleeing the war and seeking refuge, and amongst them are also many Roma people. More than 4 million persons already sought shelter in EU countries bordering Ukraine, of whom 100 000 are estimated to be Roma. The European Union is helping these people through direct humanitarian aid, emergency civil protection assistance, support at the border by EU agencies, as well as an immediate protection status for those fleeing the war. We must ensure that our support continues to reach all those who need it.  We are also ensuring that Member States have the necessary liquidity to address the most urgent needs such as schooling, housing and hospital beds. The Commission had set up a solidarity platform to coordinate operational and financial support and reception capacity.  Nevertheless, we must be aware that Roma fleeing the war often struggle with additional vulnerabilities, such as a lack of identification documents, separation from family members, language-related communication difficulties and biased attitudes at the borders. According to civil society reports, Roma were accused of not being genuine refugees, of taking advantage of the availability of humanitarian aid, or that they intend to abuse the welfare system of EU countries. We must ensure that people can always flee wars even if they do not have an identification document, and that the most vulnerable ones are provided humanitarian help in an unhindered manner.  During my mandate, I prioritised dialogue with civil society. And this is done via regular consultation fora with stakeholders at European level and also within the context of the European Platform for Roma Inclusion, which ensures cooperation at the highest political level. I remain committed to visiting Roma in their communities and in their homes to learn directly from them and take that knowledge with me to meetings with national and regional politicians.