27 July 2016

The 2016 report ‘Assessing the implementation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States’ reports on the overall conclusions regarding progress in implementing the EU Framework adopted in 2011. 

For the first time the report reviews Roma integration measures put in place under the Council Recommendation. The accompanying Staff Working Document presents a country-by-country assessment, and highlights examples of practices in the various thematic areas.

The Salvation Army is concerned that although the infrastructure is often in place, there are still few effective programmes and very little local Roma input into the implmenetation of the strategies.

The report concludes that

• Discrimination continues to be widespread across the EU and is present in all societies, and in all key areas (health, education, employment and housing)
• Although some Member States took steps to eliminate discrimination and segregation of Roma through the adoption of pro-inclusive legislation – notably in the field of education to foster an equal access Roma children in mainstream education – exclusion from the workplace, segregation in education and housing persist
• Serious bottlenecks have been identified in fighting anti-Roma discrimination, especially residential and educational segregation and prevention of forced evictions.

In the report the European Commission calls on the Member States to address a number of urgent priorities, including to partner with and mobilise civil society.

Download the report here 

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