The European Commission notes progress for Roma people but warns that poverty, segregation and discrimination persist

The European Commission notes progress in the inclusion of Roma people in the European Union, but warns that genuine equality is still a long way off. The third report on the implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework examines the period from June 2023 to March 2025 and shows that developments vary across areas and Member States.

Severe material deprivation among Roma people fell from 62% in 2016 to 37% in 2024, while the proportion of those in paid employment increased from 43% to 54%. The participation of young people in employment, education or vocational training rose from 38% to 53%. Roma children's access to early education and care also improved, from 42% to 53%.

However, major problems persist. Almost half of Roma children attend segregated schools, only approximately one third of young people complete upper secondary education, and 31% of Roma people report having been discriminated against on ethnic grounds. In addition, 77% of Roma children are at risk of poverty, while 40% of households face severe material deprivation.

European Commissioner Hadjha Lahbib (pictured) is calling on Member States to strengthen their national strategies, monitoring and policy coordination. For the 2021–2027 period, approximately €1.8 billion from the ESF+ is earmarked for interventions targeting marginalised communities, including Roma people.

In Romania, more than 72,000 Roma pupils received social scholarships, while the authorities benefit from European support for integrated interventions in informal settlements. The Commission's next report is scheduled for 2028.