Brussels, 23/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The second meeting of the European platform for Roma inclusion, launched in April in Prague, will be held in Brussels on 28 September. Jointly organised by the European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities) and the Swedish EU Presidency, the meeting will focus on improving the quality of education systems and training for Roma in Europe and the difficulties encountered by these systems on the ground. Speakers will include Commissioners Vladimir Špidla (employment, social affairs, equal opportunities) and Jan Figel' (education), Secretary of State at the Swedish Ministry of Integration and Equal Opportunities Christer Hallerby, and the Romanian expert on education for the Roma, Mihai Surdu, as well as Adam Pokorny (European Commission, DG Education).
The aim of the platform is to create a forum for sharing knowledge, experience and best practice, launching initiatives and managing possible progress made for including the Roma in Europe. We would point out that the situation of millions of Roma in the EU and in neighbouring countries is characterised by discrimination and far-reaching exclusion from mainstream society, with disproportional rates of poverty and unemployment, poor health status and lower life expectancy. Roma are also often the victims of racist violence. (G.B./transl.jl)