Belgium submits Roma strategy to the European Commission

Belgium has submitted its national strategy for Roma integration to the European Commission. This was announced in a press release issued by the country's governments. The strategy is part of the Council of Europe's recommendation to achieve "equality, inclusion and participation of the Roma", according to the communication.

The strategy contains 32 concrete measures and addresses the need to prevent anti-Gypsyism and thus combat the discrimination that Roma communities often face. It aims to promote the socio-economic integration of Roma by fighting stereotypes. It seeks to improve access to mainstream and inclusive education, access to sustainable employment, quality of life by ensuring access to health care and social services, and access to housing.

Belgium undertakes to submit a biennial report to the European Commission on the progress made. The first report will be submitted in 2023.

Incidentally, there are no official figures on the number of Roma in Belgium. Since the processing of personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin is prohibited by law, our country does not have a central register based on ethnicity.

(AHU)

© AFP PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD