Brussels, 23/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - Further to the European summit on the Roma held in Brussels in 2008 and in the context of the European Year 2010 for combating poverty and social exclusion, the Commission will be holding a high level meeting in Bucharest (Romania) on 12 and 13 October on a contribution from EU funds to help integration of the Roma. The meeting will be followed up by two regional events, the first in Cluj on 14 October and the second in Iasi on 20 October.
These events are aimed to draw attention to the possibilities provided by such funds, promoting their use and improving their impact on beneficiary projects. They are also part of the process aimed at heightening Roma integration in implementation of operational programmes for European funds. On 12 October, Commissioner Lázsló Andor (employment, social affairs and inclusion) will open the work. A closing speech will be given by Commissioner Dacian Cioloº (agriculture and rural development). Participants will include representatives from the world of politics, national authorities, regional and local authorities, potential recipients of funding including towns, and NGOs involved in the integration of the Roma. (G.B./transl.jl)