On 14th December 2017, Eurodiaconia sent out a reaction letter to the Midterm review of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. The letter was addressed to Commissioner Jourová, the European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, and to other stakeholders working on the topic of Roma.
The letter follows up on the Commission’s Midterm review of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. It explains how Eurodiaconia and its members welcome the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS) as a key tool to bring Roma inclusion higher onto the political agenda, and to promote a more effective and integrated response to destitution among Roma across Europe. The Eurodiaconia network shares the Commission’s analysis that progress in Roma inclusion has been limited to some improvements in the area of education. Therefore, we believe that efforts need to be significantly stepped up in all other areas of the Framework. Furthermore, Eurodiaconia and its members regret that Anti-Gypsyism is not a ‘pillar’ of the Framework for NRIS, as it is a central element for achieving Roma inclusion.
The letter makes targeted recommendations including strengthening the emphasis on fighting Anti-Gypsyism, improving the use of EU funds for Roma Inclusion, and fostering stakeholder coordination and transparency. You can read the full proposals and comments from Eurodiaconia in the letter.