Statement by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu, Commissioners Lahbib and Kos ahead of International Roma Day

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

Romani heritage, language and art are integral parts of our continent’s history and cultural richness. Ahead of International Roma Day, we celebrate the long-standing presence of Roma people in Europe and their key contribution to our societies.

With an estimated 10 to 12 million Roma living across Europe, 6 million of whom live inside our Union, the Roma community is a cherished part of our shared European identity. Roma represent the largest ethnic group in Europe, and Roma individuals and organisations contribute to our social, economic, cultural and civic life.

In celebrating the key place of Roma in our societies, we must also recognise and condemn the continued discrimination that Roma people face across Europe. Roma people face persistent social exclusion and unequal access to opportunities, with 70% of Roma at risk of poverty in the EU.

This is unacceptable. Despite progress in recent years, antigypsyism and structural inequalities persist. Many Roma families remain disproportionately affected by barriers to essential services such as education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Antigypsyism not only undermines equal participation but also limits Europe’s social, economic, and democratic potential.

Addressing these challenges remains essential, and we remain committed to tackling them and advancing equality for the Roma community across the EU. Through the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation 2020–2030, we have set clear objectives and EU-level targets for Member States, including reducing poverty gaps, improving access to housing and essential services, and tackling educational segregation affecting Roma children. Moreover, the EU provides funding to combat discrimination, including antigypsyism, and to enhance Roma inclusion, for instance via the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme and the European Social Fund+.

The EU champions equality for Roma both within and outside our Union. Candidate countries, such as Türkiye and our partners in the Western Balkans, are aligning their national strategies with the EU Roma Strategic Framework. Similar strategies are also being implemented in Ukraine and Moldova. We are proud of this common effort to promote equality and inclusion across the whole of Europe. Sustained commitment and effective implementation are needed to achieve the objectives of the framework. This is why we call on Member States and enlargement partners to step up the implementation of their National Roma Strategic Frameworks, ensuring that policies translate into tangible improvements to people’s lives.

Our commitment to equality remains firm. Combating antigypsyism, strengthening Roma participation in decision-making, and promoting inclusive public policies remain essential to progress. We will continue promoting inclusion, investing EU funds to support Roma communities, and supporting projects to deepen understanding of Roma history and raise awareness throughout Europe.

Ahead of International Roma Day, we call for a true Union of Equality for all. A Union built on respect for diversity, democracy, and fundamental rights. A Union where all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities, no matter their ethnicity.

For more information

Roma on par (Roma on equal footing) – Documentary video (9 min)

EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation

Council Recommendation of 12 March 2021 on Roma equality, inclusion and participation

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ report: Roma and Travellers in 13 European countries – Key results from the FRA Roma Survey 2024

National Roma Contact Points

Report on the implementation of the national Roma strategic frameworks, 2024

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV)

Instrument for Pre-accession (IPA)

Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDCI)

ROMACT

RomaMemory

Roma integration phase III project.