An integrated platform on Roma inclusion

An integrated platform on Roma inclusion

The first integrated platform on Roma inclusion will be officially launched on April 24th in Prague. The launch conference is organized within the framework of the Czech presidency to EU Council and will build upon conclusions of the First EU Roma Summit that was held in Brussels in September 2008. It also follows conclusions of December 2008 European Council, which called on the Commission and Member States to (i) draw up concrete actions for 2009 and 2010 to ensure access to education, housing, health, employment, justice and culture and (ii) to make better use of EU financial instruments for Roma inclusion, while calling on the Commission to (iii) organize another EU Roma Summit in 2010, and (iv) report on progress by 2010. In addition, it called on the Commission to provide analytical support and stimulate cooperation between all parties concerned by Roma issues in the context of an integrated European platform.

The main objective the platform, in which the European Commission will participate, is to exchange good practices and experiences among the member states and to facilitate harmonization of policies concerning Roma within the European Union. From a practical perspective, however, the objectives, key elements and operational mechanisms of the platform are still to be better defined. Unified data collections, common standards for national policies and the exchange of best practices are some of the key points on which experts will focus during the meeting.

For further information

Go to ERIO's website
Read more on the Czech government's website