The integration of Portugal’s Roma population ‘is going well,’ according to a new report which shows the first signs of an improvement in living conditions of Roma families across Europe.
The Portuguese strategy for Roma integration is bearing fruit, according to the research document released by the European Commission today.
Portugal started to take positive steps for the integration of its Roma population back in 2011, a population estimated at between 40,000 and 60,000.
Brussels does warn of the need for ‘sustainable and adequate funding’ and ‘a constructive dialogue between the Roma and non-governmental organisations and local and regional authorities.'
Brussels wants more attention to be given to the education of Roma children and calls for better monitoring of the impact of integration measures in this sector.
In the area of employment, Brussels calls for a more ‘integrated approach,’ but does little to explain what this means in practic.
In Portugal, 56% of Roma were victims of discrimination in the past five years, worse than in neighbouring Spain at 38%.
With regard to healthcare, the existence of vaccination campaigns for Roma and the creation of mobile medical units in Portugal were highlighted.
The report, presented by a committee headed by our old friend José Manuel Durão Barroso, the 11th and current President of the European Commission, gives an account of some progress in improving living conditions of Roma within the European Union.
