The European Union and Roma

Roma in Europe

For the purpose of this website, and as it is most commonly used in EU policy documents and discussions, the term "Roma" refers to a variety of groups of people who describe themselves as Roma, Gypsies, Travellers, Manouches, Ashkali, Sinti, as well as other titles. The use of the term Roma is in no way intended to downplay the great diversity within the many different Romani groups and related communities, nor is it intended to promote stereotypes.

For more than one thousand years, the Roma have been an integral part of European civilisation. Today, with an estimated population of 10-12 million people, Roma are the biggest ethnic minority in Europe, present in all 27 EU Member States. Most Roma are EU citizens.

However, their situation is characterised by persistent discrimination and social exclusion. Roma are at risk of poverty, unemployment, stereotypes and prejudice.

A joint responsibility

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.  

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, the Directive 2000/43/EC on racial equality and the 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. 

The European Commission's mandate also includes stimulating the use of EU Structural Funds by EU Member States in order to support Roma inclusion. 

This process is supported by the EURoma network composed of representatives from currently 12 Member States, to promote the use of Structural Funds to enhance the effectiveness of policies targeting the Roma and to promote their social inclusion.  

The European Union is taking action to promote the inclusion of Roma. This website gives more information on the following aspects of this action:

• EU funding policies and projects that are relevant for Roma inclusion (education, employment, health, anti-discrimination, social inclusion etc…)
• The European Roma Summits
• The European Platform for Roma Inclusion
• Research and studies
• Cooperation with Roma civil society and international organisations