News

Technical meeting “Structural funds contribution to the inclusion of marginalized communities” brought together representatives of Managing authorities of ESF and ERDF funded operational programs from all 27 EU member states, representatives of European Commission,  experts from World bank, UNDP, and NGOs. The meeting was organized by DG EMPL and DG JUST and took place on March 21.

Data collection, the need of permanent monitoring of the Roma integration strategies, pilot initiatives for improving the living conditions of Roma supported by ERDF-ESF and how structural funds could support the National Roma Integration Strategies were the main topics discussed. The main massage delivered by all European Commission officials was that Roma integration should be included as one of the core topics in the operational programs for the next planning period following an integrated approach. It is time to move from successful pilot initiative to sustainable Roma integration policy supported by EU funds, was another key massage.

Many of participants did remarks regarding the principle “Explicit but not exclusive targeting”. Katarina Mathernova, Senior Advisor in the World Bank and former Deputy Director General of DG REGIO explained that the principle means “Explicit targeting” although some member states try to emphasis only the second part (“not exclusive”) and in this way to avoid the first one. Targeted interventions are necessary, stressed Mrs. Mathernova.

Structural funds are not only technical but also policy tool, stated Jose-Manuel Fresno, Senior Advisor on Social Inclusion. He provided data about the National Roma Integration Strategies, submitted to the European Commission: 20 of them refer to the structural funds, 13 envisage SF contribution in this planning period, 13 – in the next planning period, only 9 NRISs identify SF money for Roma integration. We need more investment, substantial investment in Roma integration; it is not time for small investment, concluded Mr. Fresno.   

In his presentation “Roma integration and Structural funds absorption in Bulgaria: following the philosophy of Rene Descartes” Deyan Kolev, chairman of Center AMALIPE, stated that within the present period both streams (Roma integration and Structural funds spending) have only weak links that prevents achieving efficiency and effectiveness of SF support for Roma Integration. Kolev raised suggestions for the next planning period, such as:

•          Proper institutional framework: policy task force that bring together MA and IB to plan how to use EU funds for NRIS

•          Proper operational document with concrete programs and calls supported  by ESF, ERDF and EARDF

•          Roma integration included in the Partnership contract: with specific defined financing

•          Roma integration measures included in the new HRDOP, RDOP and RADP: as specific Priority Axes, with defined financing and Intermediate body

•          Stronger participation of Roma organizations: through membership in the Monitoring Committees and global grants

•          Un/Conditionality: implementing Roma integration measures should be condition before states and municipalities for EU funds absorption

The presentation could be found here