The European Union is launching the third phase of the Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe. It will contribute to the socio-economic integration of the Roma population in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The programme will work with the governments in the region to increase their capacities to tackle challenges faced by Roma in the fields of housing, education, employment, health, civil registration, and the green and digital transition.

The first two phases of the programme wereimplemented by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). While the newly launched third phase will be implemented by the Council of Europe, the RCC will continue its work on Roma integration through focusing on mainstreaming the inclusion of Roma in the Western Balkans green and digital agendas, which are areas where the RCC has a leading role when it comes to coordination in the region.

About Phase III of the Roma Integration Programme

The third phase of the Roma Integration programme started its activities on 1 May 2023and is expected to last 36 months. The European Union finances EUR 2 700 000. It will support the progressive alignment with the European UnionRoma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation, the implementation of thenational Roma Strategies, the Poznan commitments taken by all Western Balkans leaders in 2019, and of the Council of Europe Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Travellers Inclusion (2020-2025).

The programme will focus on three workstreams:

-The mainstreaming of Roma issues in relevant public policies and fight against anti-gypsyism;

-Support to Roma socio-economic integrationand Roma equality in the areas of housing,education, employment, health, civil registration, and in the green and digital transition;

-The reinforcement of the institutional capacities of the governments to tackle challenges faced by Roma in the region.