NEWS

COMECE on Roma inclusion: “working with them, not for them”

In view of the upcoming EU elections and on the occasion of the “2019 Roma Week”, COMECE calls future EU leaders to adopt a post-2020 EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and to relaunch EU institutions’ commitment to enhance Roma inclusion.

(Credit: Joan Alvado)


The 2018 EC report on the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 shows improvements in the access to education and health, as well as in the fight against poverty. It also reveals a lack of progress in housing and negative trends in employment and anti-Gypsyism.

These tendencies have been confirmed by a recently-published report by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), describing the persistent anti-Gypsyism as a transversal barrier for Roma inclusion.
In this regard, COMECE points out that building up mutual trust between the mainstream society and Roma people is key to overcome anti-Gypsyism.

EU Bishops highlight the need to implement a non-paternalistic approach in dealing with Roma people’s inclusion. “Instead of working for them, it is necessary to work together with Roma communities and to accompany them in their full involvement”, stated fr. Poquillon, o.p., General Secretary of COMECE.

COMECE closely follows and monitors EU Roma inclusion policies and contributes to their development through the European Platform for Roma Inclusion.