Roma Civil Monitor:
Roma Equality & EU Funds: Shaping the Next Multi-Annual Framework
Background:
At the initiative of the European Parliament, the European Commission has launched and funded two editions of the Roma Civil Monitor (RCM) initiative: a pilot project (2017–2020) and its follow-up (2021–2025). The current phase, titled “Preparatory Action – Roma Civil Monitoring: Strengthening Capacity and Involvement of Roma and Pro-Roma Civil Society in Policy Monitoring and Review”, is implemented by a consortium comprising the Democracy Institute of the Central European University (DI CEU), ERGO Network, Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG), and the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC).
The RCM contributes to the objectives of the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030 by:
- Strengthening the capacity of Roma and pro-Roma civil society to independently monitor and assess National Roma Strategic Frameworks (NRSFs) and other relevant policies.
- Supporting civil society organisations and activists in advocacy efforts to enhance policy effectiveness, fight Roma exclusion, and promote participation.
- Empowering Roma and pro-Roma civil society to engage in dialogue and cooperation with authorities on Roma inclusion, equality, and anti-racism.
Within the current edition’s first round, the RCM has produced monitoring reports assessing the quality of new national Roma strategies developed by Member States’ governments following the new EU Roma Strategic Framework and Council Recommendations on Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation. Currently, the CSOs participating in the RCM are finalising reports on the implementation of the strategies. Additionally, diverse thematic reports are published, such as a report documenting the successful residential desegregation of Roma in European cities, diversity in the national Roma strategies, or digital inclusion.
All reports and other resources on Roma in EU Member States are available at: https://romacivilmonitoring.eu
Event details:
Date: 8 April 2025, from 13:30 to 15:30, Brussels time
Venue: European Parliament, Treves 1 Building, Room 9V40
Co-organised by DI CEU and EC/DG Just
Hosting MEP: Marco Tarquinio, Member of the European Parliament, Italy – The S&D Group
Format: Panel presentations followed by Q&A and discussions
Form: In-person, potentially with some speakers online
Focus of the RCM event:
- Roma and pro-Roma civil society’s experience and assessment of usage of EU funds for Roma.
- Opportunities and challenges in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for Roma rights, inclusion, and participation.
Draft Agenda:
Moderator:
o Szabolcs Schmidt, Head of Non-discrimination: Anti-racism and Roma coordination Unit, EC
13:30 – 13:45 Opening remarks
o Estrella Galán, MEP, Spain, GUE/NGL
o Szabolcs Schmidt, Head of Non-discrimination: Anti-racism and Roma coordination Unit, EC
13:45 – 13:55 Roma Civil Monitor’s findings on the usage of EU funds for Roma equality, inclusion and participation (10’)
o Marek Hojsík, DI CEU
13:55 – 14:35 Experiences from Member States (40’)
o Anabel Carballo-Mesa, RCM National Coalition Member, Spain
o Gianpiero Losapio, Consorzio Nova, Italy (online)
o Michal Miko, Romanonet, Czechia
o Florin Nasture, O Del Amenca Roma Cultural Center, Romania
14:35 – 14:45 Vision of the Future Multiannual Financial Framework for Roma (10’)
o Rafael Saavedra Rodríguez, FSG
14:45 – 15:15 Discussion on lessons learnt from the current MMF for the new MMF, Q&A (30’)
o Speakers from previous blocks
15:15 – 15:30 Conclusions and time buffer (15’)
o Szabolcs Schmidt, Head of Non-discrimination: Anti-racism and Roma coordination Unit, EC
Accreditation and Access to the European Parliament for Roma Week Events
For those who registered or requested an entry badge, please note that under the new European Parliament rules, accreditation is granted via an automated self-service machine (similar to airport customs machines), located in Station Europe (see photo below), in front of the Altiero Spinelli Building (entrance from Place Luxembourg).
You may collect your access badge on the day of your event from the self-service machine in Station Europe. Please follow the specific event guidelines to ensure that a Parliament assistant, accompanied by ERGO staff holding a Roma Week poster pick-you up before the designated time set by the event organizers, allowing for a smooth and timely entry into the European Parliament.
For those requiring assistance with the self-service machine, ERGO colleagues will be at Station Europe approximately one hour before the event start time (holding a Roma Week poster) to help with the process.
Regular Entry to the European Parliament
If you already possess a valid access badge, please proceed directly to the event location and arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure a timely start.
