Brussels, 18/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 18 April, the European Commission held a conference on the importance of art and culture in the integration of the Roma population. The conference came to an end with a concert by Roma singer Ida Kelarova, organised by the Yehudi Menuhin International Foundation. EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou stated: “Arts and cultural activities can help build bridges between communities and combat social exclusion. This can only lead to deeper mutual understanding, which is paramount if we are to move from segregation to integration.” Six million Roma are currently living in the European Union (12 million throughout the European continent). They represent 10% of the population in some countries of Central and Eastern Europe. (IL/transl.fl)