This high-level event brought together political decision-makers from the EU, funds managing authorities, and representatives of Roma and pro-Roma civil society around the topic “Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation in Territorial Planning and Development”. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of persisting issues and challenges, discuss ways to address these challenges, and contribute to a more efficient use of EU funds to promote Roma equality, inclusion, and participation.
National Roma Contact Points (NRCPs), representatives of the relevant institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) participated in the dialogue on territorial inequalities affecting Roma in Western Balkans and Türkiye. The exchange with the EU member states included questions such as: How can spatial planning contribute to tackling spatial segregation and environmental inequalities faced by Roma? What is the role of spatial planning in promoting e-inclusion and tackling digital inequalities? How to strengthen Roma participation in spatial planning at local and regional level? Which is the role of multi-level and multi-actor governance in promoting Roma equality and inclusion? In addition to this, the NRCPs and CSOs participated in meetings with DG NEAR, CoE and EU “Roma Integration III” Joint Programme, on how to address these and other corelated issues within the scope of Poznan Declaration commitments.
During the 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion, the importance of cooperation on all levels towards social inclusion of Roma was emphasised. Discrimination and antigypsyism were recognised as key challenges in achieving equality for the Roma community. Also, it was concluded that the Roma community is diverse, and that the approaches to enhancing territorial equality need to be in line with the identified needs in the field. The importance of Roma participation in territorial planning was emphasised, as well as continuous allocation of adequate financial and human resources at regional, national, and local level for the achievement of desired results in this area. Authentic political will, data-based policies and combating antigypsyism were mentioned as preconditions for successful territorial equality and inclusion for Roma.
The opening speech was given by senior figures from the European institutions such as Equality Commissioner Hellena Dalli and MEP Mélissa Camara. The closing remarks were given by Commissioner Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Values and Transparency, as well as Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.
The 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion was organised by the DG JUST, European Commission, on 1 October 2024, in Brussels.
