Bucharest, November 05, 2010 - The European Commission announced that it would present a European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies in spring next year.

A High Level Event on European Union (EU) funding for the integration of Roma opened in Bucharest on 12.10.2010 to discuss how to improve the Roma inclusion process in the EU.

At the event, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor highlighted the need for Europe to ensure Roma integration and tackle education, housing, poverty and health problems faced by the ethnic minority.

"Inadequate education diminishes young people's economic chances, and bad housing conditions often lead to poor health, and poverty prevents people from improving their living conditions," Andor said.

According to Andor, EU needs to adopt a long-term multi-dimensional approach combining national and local authorities, local communities and the Roma people themselves.

"One of my main tasks will be to help decision-makers at all levels to translate EU-level recommendations into concrete actions," he said.

The commissioner also believes the new Europe 2020 strategy, which contains a strong social dimension, and the Roma Task Force, which assesses the effectiveness and use of EU funds by member states for Roma inclusion, will be key tools to ensure Roma integration.

"The first findings of the Roma Task Force are expected by the end of the year," Andor said.

"In spring next year, we will present an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. In this connection, we will invite member states to present their own strategies for the inclusion of Roma, which could feature in their national reform programme," he said.

Source: CALEIDOSCOP