In a resolution adopted by a show of hands at its plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament calls for greater inclusion of Roma children in EU school systems.
MEPs condemn the fact that a “disproportionate” number of these children attend special schools for the disabled, classes separated from other pupils or parallel education systems (see EUROPE 13250/23).
“Desegregation strategies”
The text calls for “desegregation strategies” to be implemented in schools, inclusive learning methods to be developed and full access to school activities to be guaranteed. This, he points out, must be accompanied by measures to combat the poverty and social exclusion of Roma children in order to “break the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty and reduced learning opportunities at home”.
The resolution also calls on the European Commission to ensure that Member States respect their obligations in terms of equal treatment, “starting by channelling EU funds towards non-discriminatory practices”.
Conservative amendments
Although the resolution was supported by all the groups except ID, the ECR tabled amendments, all of which were rejected. In particular, the Conservatives insisted on the need to use the dedicated European funds effectively and to “sanction Roma parents” who “who do not allow their children to access schooling”.
The resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/8vq (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)