Brussels, 05/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Although significant progress has been made over recent years, more effort is still required to promote the integration of the Roma in European societies. The president of the EPP group at the EP, Joseph Daul, was keen to reiterate this message during International Roma Day on Sunday 8 April. He added that, “The socio-economic inclusion of our most excluded communities is not only a moral imperative and a staggering political challenge, but at the same time one of the most promising opportunities for our economies”. The Eurodiaconia network, however, said this challenge should above all be translated into concrete strategies at the level of the local, regional and national authorities, so that all opportunities are provided to promote the integration of the Roma as human and social capital and the biggest minority in the EU, which goes beyond simple economic considerations. (JK/transl.fl)