1. 6 October 2010 Sean McGrade DG Regional Policy
Marginalised Roma Communities in Slovakia
6 October 2010
Sean McGrade
DG Regional Policy

2. Roma are largest minority in EU (10-12 M)
EU Dimension
Roma are largest minority in EU (10-12 M)
Suffered years of deprivation and prejudice
The European institutions and Member States have a joint responsibility to improve the social inclusion of Roma by using all the instruments and policies for which they have the respective competence.  

3. EU Dimension (2)
The European Union has a strong legal framework to combat Roma discrimination, based among others, on:
article 13 of the Treaty of the European Community,
Article 16 General Regulation
Directive 2000/43/EC on racial equality and
Directive 2000/78/EC prohibiting discrimination in employment and vocational training.
Member States have the duty to translate these Directives into their own national legislations

4. Article 16 General Regulation
“……..The Member States and the Commission shall take appropriate steps to prevent any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation during the various stages of implementation of the Funds and, in particular, in the access to them.”
 Marginalised Roma are a horizontal priority in all Slovak operational Programmes

5. Platform for Roma Inclusion
Emerged at the 1st European Roma Summit in Brussels in September Following this event, EU countries called on the Commission to organise
an exchange of good practice and experience between the Member States in the sphere of inclusion of the Roma,
provide analytical support and stimulate cooperation between all parties concerned by Roma issues, including the organisations representing Roma, in the context of an integrated European Platform".
(General Affairs Council, 8th December 2008). 
Meetings are chaired by the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council. They bring together national governments, the EU, international organisations and Roma civil society representatives.  

6. EURoma
Secretariat based in Spain
A European Network made up of representatives of twelve Member States, determined to promote the use of Structural Funds (SF) to enhance the effectiveness of policies targeting the Roma and to promote their social inclusion.
Current Member States: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovakia and Sweden.

7. Common Basic Principles
The 10 Common Basic Principles on Roma inclusion aim at guiding the EU institutions and Member States, candidate and potential candidate countries when they design and implement new policies or activities.
1. Constructive, pragmatic and non-discriminatory policies 
2. Explicit but not exclusive targeting
3. Inter-cultural approach
4. Aiming for the mainstream
5. Awareness of the gender dimension
6. Transfer of evidence-based policies
7. Use of Community instruments
8. Involvement of regional and local authorities
9. Involvement of civil society
10. Active participation of the Roma

8. Violence and Trafficking
The EU is committed to combating all forms of violence and human trafficking. Women are often the main victims of gender-based violence while trafficking is modern-day slavery to which poverty-stricken women and children, in particular girls, are more vulnerable.
Violence and trafficking are breaches of fundamental rights and poverty-stricken Roma women are in particular vulnerable to these forms of exploitation.
Through the DAPHNE programme, the EU has financed targeted actions to fight violence against women and children and to protect victims and groups at risk.

9. Housing for Marginalised Communities
Revision of Article 7 of ERDF Regualtion
New housing as well as refurbishment
Rural areas now included
Integrated development/activities
Non-segregated development
Open Days Event 7 October 2010 – HU case Study

10. The Social and Economic Integration of the Roma in Europe
Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 7 April, 2010
The Social and Economic Integration of the Roma in Europe
Making the Roma Platform more effective
Applying the Common Basic Principles for Roma Inclusion
Mainstreaming of Roma issues in all relevant policies
Continue organising high-level bilateral events in the Member States

11. continued…
Urging Member States to take actions to promote equal opportunities and to tackle segregation (policies which strenghten segregation should be ended)
Reinforcing coordination between the ERDF, ESF and EAFRD on regional and local level
Providing information and technical support to Member States on the efficeinet use of Structural Funds
Inviting Member States to address Roma issues when reporting on the implementation of national policies (education, employment, social protection, health)

12. Roma Pilot Project
Objective - Pilot Project ‘Pan-European coordination of Roma integration methods
Improving the access of Roma children to quality early childhood education, and enhancing child development for Roma children aged 0-6;
Facilitating self-employment through access to finance for marginalised communities;
Combating discrimination against Roma people by raising public awareness through appropriate information campaigns;
Improving evaluation methods and data collection of Roma integration projects/programmes.

13. Open call for tenders in 2009
continued…..
4 strands
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)
Self-employment and microcredit
Information and awareness raising
Tools and methods for evaluation and data collection as a basis for evidence based policy making
Open call for tenders in 2009
Evaluation has been finalised – winners are published on DG Regio website

14. Combating Poverty
Opportunities at home can prevent need to travel – right to move within EU is protected
Less chance of being a victim of oppression or trafficking if you have real choices
Break the cycle of disadvantage and missed opportunity
Multi-dimensional approach needed
Will not change overnight but need to take steps now.
EU Anti-poverty Flagship Initiative

15. The cases of Italy and France have recently highlighted these issues
Recent Concerns
The cases of Italy and France have recently highlighted these issues
Commission is very concerned at some actions taken
The Commission is concerned too about how funds are spent – Task Force
No shortage of funds – effective use?

16. Comprehensive Approach in Slovakia
NSRF – EUR
Focus on health, housing, education, employment (ERDF, ESF)
Office of the Plenipotentiary for Marginalised Roma Communities

17. Definition of Population Capacity of marginalised groups
Challenges
Definition of Population
Capacity of marginalised groups
Capacity of Office of Plenipotentiary
Lack of successful models of intervention
Micro-regional strategies – individual calls
Political support

19. 150+ micro-regional strategies approved as being suitable for funding
Current Status
150+ micro-regional strategies approved as being suitable for funding
Projects to be submitted against individual calls
Challenges:
Good project proposals
Delivery of projects on ground
Make a difference to people
National Strategy for future

20. Thank you for your attention.