On 26 March 2026, the closing event of the Joint European Union and Council of Europe Programme “Roma Integration III” was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, bringing together institutional representatives, programme partners, National Roma Contact Points, civil society actors, and international stakeholders. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the Programme’s key achievements and to discuss future priorities for Roma inclusion across the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

The event marked the conclusion of an important phase of regional co-operation aimed at strengthening institutional capacities, improving policy frameworks, and advancing access to rights for Roma communities. The agenda included welcoming remarks, presentations of key regional and Beneficiary-level results, the presentation of the Programme’s independent evaluation, and a forward-looking discussion on next steps for Roma integration.

The event was opened by Shaban Saliu, Minister for Integration and Implementation of the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, Oleg Soldatov, Head of the Council of Europe Programme Office in Skopje, and Wojciech Kowalski, Adviser for the Western Balkans at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST) of the European Commission. In their remarks, they emphasised the importance of sustained institutional commitment, continued regional co-operation, and alignment with European standards as key drivers for advancing Roma inclusion.

Participants were presented with an overview of the Programme’s main achievements at regional level, followed by a beneficiary-focused session featuring contributions from the Roma Integration III team and National Roma Contact Points. These exchanges enabled reflection on implementation experiences, lessons learned, and priorities for ensuring sustainable impact beyond the Programme’s lifetime.

The presentation of the independent evaluation provided further insights into the Programme’s results and offered recommendations for future interventions. This was followed by a dedicated session on “Roma Integration and the Way Forward”, which brought together key stakeholders to discuss how to build on the momentum generated and ensure continuity of efforts in the upcoming period.

Throughout its implementation, the Programme contributed to tangible progress in areas such as housing, civil registration and legal identity, employment, green and digital transition, and anti-discrimination. It also played a key role in strengthening institutional capacities and fostering regional cooperation and exchange to better implement Roma inclusion strategies, Action Plans, and the Poznan Declaration.

The closing event served not only as a moment to take stock of these achievements, but also as a platform to reaffirm the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to ensure the full inclusion of Roma community, in line with European standards and commitments.

The Joint European Union and Council of Europe Programme “Roma Integration III” will conclude on 30 April 2026. Its legacy will continue through strengthened partnerships, reinforced institutional frameworks, and the knowledge and experience built across the region in support of Roma equality and inclusion.