The European Platform for Roma Inclusion (EPRI) aims to stimulate cooperation and exchange of experiences among all relevant stakeholders for equality, inclusion and participation of Roma people in Europe. The Platform contributes to making both European and national policies more inclusive and reflecting better on the Roma needs.

In her intervention in the 2021 EPRI, President Ursula von der Leyen said “Roma are entitled to the exact same rights as the mainstream society. Now it is time that more decisive action must be taken. This includes better mobilization of European and national funds but also promoting culture and pubic debate. It is about giving all Roma the opportunity to realize their full potential to engage in political, social, economic and cultural life. But to change hearts and minds, to ensure a brighter present and future for our Roma communities, we must go beyond. We must talk about your Roma culture, your music, your arts, your literature. Roma culture must be for gadje as well. Because Roma culture is European culture. Roma lives matter! Roma rights matter! Roma culture matters!”

The 2022 EPRI will be devoted to the presentation of the main findings of the  European Commission Assessment Report to be published later this year. Furthermore, it will provide the opportunity to the Member States to reaffirm their commitment to Roma inclusion, equality and participation, as a result of the newly adopted National Roma Strategic Framework for the next 10 years.

The event will provide a forum to discuss priorities for the next 10 years, with a specific focus on the segregation in education and housing, use of the EU and national financial tools and the status of the Roma refugees from Ukraine. This will be enabled through dialogue and exchange of knowledge and experiences, at all levels and with full involvement of Roma themselves. It will also showcase Member States’ perspectives and give stakeholders an opportunity to make their voices heard, and for policy-makers to listen to their experiences first-hand and present commitments on the way forward.

On 7 October 2020, the Commission adopted a reformed and strengthened EU Roma Strategic Framework, which sets out a comprehensive three-pillar approach complementing the socio-economic inclusion of marginalised Roma with the fostering of equality and the promotion of participation. On 12 March 2021, the Council of the European Union adopted a Recommendation on Roma equality, inclusion and participation.