Brussels, 12/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - On 10 and 11 March, in Brussels, the European Commission held a conference devoted to the support that European Union programmes provide for the Roma minority. The conference highlighted some 30 projects aimed at Roma communities, funded through EU programmes for education, culture, youth and citizenship and by the structural funds. These projects were discussed in workshops and also showcased in an exhibition and a publication. The conference was attended by over 500 people representing European and international Roma organisations. The results of the conference will feed into the 2nd European summit on the Roma organised by the Spanish EU Presidency on 8 April in Cordoba (EUROPE 10095).
Organised as part of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion at the initiative of the commissioner for education, culture, youth and multilingualism, Androulla Vassiliou, the conference mainly focused on questions of schooling, social welfare, housing, youth problems as well as the preservation and development of the Roma culture.
The Roma population is one of the largest ethnic minorities in the EU. Constantly faced with discrimination and social exclusion, it is also the minority that is the most exposed to poverty and unemployment, a Commission press release points out, stating that most of the time, Europeans have a negative impression of the Roma often stemming from stereotypes and prejudice. (G.B./transl.jl)