On the occasion of International Roma Day celebrated annually on the 8th of April, the European Commission’s Vice-President Vĕra Jourová and the Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli have released a joint statement. In it Ms Jourova and Ms Dalli emphasize the contribution of Roma people to the richness and diversity of European culture and note the need for further action to ensure that Roma communities can have their basic needs met.
They note that the Commission will soon present a reinforced strategy for Roma equality and inclusion in European society and conclude by saying that in times of crisis the only way to overcome the challenges is to work together and be solidary.
The Roma are Europe’s largest minority community – with 6 million Roma living in the EU and 4 million in the enlargement region (Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Turkey).
To read the full text of the joint statement, please visit the Commission’s website.