Brussels, 11/10/2010 (Agence Europe) -The events in France over the summer have made it clear that there is an urgent need to integrate Roma communities into all sectors of life, whether housing, education, employment or health, and to give careful consideration to the human, social and economic consequences their exclusion would bring. For this, ignorance, prejudice, racism and violence have to be tackled head-on and the battle has to be waged for the Roma to be able to live as equal citizens and enjoy the same social and economic opportunities.
European Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Commissioner László Andor will make this argument at a conference in Bucharest, Romania, on Tuesday 12 October, on the contribution of EU funds to the integration of the Roma (see EUROPE 10221). The Commissioner is expected to announce inter alia the presentation of a European framework for national Roma integration strategies. To this end, Andor will invite member states to present their strategies for Roma inclusion, which will form part of their national reform plan. Andor will also meet Romanian President Trajan Basescu and Labour Minister Ioan Botis, as well as representatives of the social partners and the gypsy community.
What can be done to break the vicious circle in which the Roma are trapped? A multi-dimensional long-term approach has to be put in place, involving joint efforts by local and national authorities and also by the Roma communities themselves. One of the main tasks will be to help decision-makers at all levels turn the recommendations into tangible action. The Commission will encourage member states to present collective initiative within the Roma Platform, and will ensure that Roma integration remains high on the list of priorities.
Despite there being no budget allocated to the Roma, their social integration is an important aim of the European Social Fund in Romania. The Commission was pleased that both the Romanian authorities and the Roma NGOS seized the opportunity of investing in improving the situation of the Roma in the country and of integrating them into the labour market. Significant funding from the ESF has been committed so far been committed for 31 projects focussing on the Roma. Out of the €3.5 billon allocated from the ESF for the development of human resources in Romania between 2007 and 2013, some €540 million are meant to promote social inclusion. Initiatives to help the Roma are also eligible under other priorities, such as education and active employment measures.
It is also important to have a coherent policy framework for all initiatives. The action plan signed by the French and Romanian governments prepares the ground for such a framework and will be followed by a more comprehensive strategic document. Given the disadvantages faced by the Roma in the various areas mentioned above, a multi-sectoral approach would seem the most promising for the Roma communities and this approach should be taken into account in all political and legislative initiatives. Of course, a national political framework will not be effective unless followed up by action at local level. Local players are the best placed to determine the needs of local communities and how to meet them. The role of civil society is also essential in this context.
Following his speech, commissioner Andor will visit several projects on the ground, including the school project “Read with me” in the Ferentare area, and “Jilava” project (which receives €5 in ESF funding), as well as the BNS (Trade Union Block) social economy project, which was set up by BNS, one of the four largest trade union confederations in Romania, in partnership with Consorzio ABN Imprezza Sociale. It is named “Incubators for social economy enterprises in Bucharest” and receives roughly €400,000 from the ESF (including the national contribution). A BNS press release says that currently 15 people are employed (Roma, handicapped people and people from other vulnerable groups) in four types of activities: call centres, catering, distribution and cleaning, all under BSN direction. (G.B./transl.rt)