Brussels, 25/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - In Strasbourg on Tuesday 25 February, Commissioner Laszlo Andor (Employment and Social Affairs) and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland formalised their partnership for support to the programme ROMACT, which aims to promote the inclusion of the Roma at local and regional levels.
This programme is already up and running in five countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia and Romania), with the participation of around 40 municipalities. The Commission and the Council of Europe are also committed to providing a budget of €1 billion to run the programme, plus an additional €1 billion downstream, in support of local initiatives. ROMACT is implemented with the support of the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion. (JK/transl.fl)