The European Commission has published its third implementation report on the EU Roma Strategic Framework, covering June 2023 to March 2025. This report provides a comprehensive overview of progress towards promoting Roma equality, inclusion, and participation across the Union, while also identifying ongoing challenges.
Significant progress has been observed in various areas, including employment, early childhood education and care, and improved national coordination on Roma equality and inclusion policies. Moreover, political recognition of anti-Gypsyism has increased. For instance, severe material deprivation among Roma people has notably decreased from 62% in 2016 to 37% in 2024.
“I am determined to continue our work for Roma inclusion and participation in all aspects of life. This is a matter of equality, dignity and fairness for all. But it is also a political and economic necessity: Europe cannot be strong, united or competitive if millions of people are left behind. A fairer future for Roma is essential for the whole of the EU,” stated Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness.
The percentage of young Roma involved in employment, education, or training has risen from 38% to 53%. Additionally, housing deprivation has declined from 61% to 47%. The share of Roma people in paid employment has increased from 43% to 54%, with expectations that most employment-related targets will be met by 2030 if the current trajectory continues. Participation in early childhood education and care has also improved, rising from 42% to 53%, although it remains well below that of the general population.
Despite these positive developments, challenges persist, and progress is inconsistent. Barriers to achieving true equality for Roma individuals in Europe continue to exist, particularly in areas such as educational segregation, overcrowding, the gender pay gap, and experiences of discrimination. Currently, only approximately one-third of young Roma complete upper secondary education, and nearly half of Roma children continue to attend segregated schools. Furthermore, 31% of Roma individuals report experiences of ethnic discrimination. The issues of poverty and social exclusion remain deeply entrenched, with 77% of Roma children at risk of poverty and 40% of Roma households facing severe material deprivation.
“Six million Roma people call Europe home. Six million people with dreams, talents and ambitions. Yet too many Roma children still face barriers at school. Too many parents struggle to find a job or a decent home because of discrimination. Equality is a European value that must be felt in classrooms, workplaces and everyday life. One fair chance can change a life. Every Roma child in Europe deserves that chance,” Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.
The Commission calls on Member States to sustain and strengthen their efforts to meet the 2030 targets outlined in the EU Roma Strategic Framework. To strengthen the effectiveness of their national Roma strategic frameworks, Member States must bolster institutional capacity, improve coordination and monitoring, and adopt integrated, cross-sectoral policies.
The Commission will continue to support Member States in these initiatives, including through the European Social Fund+, which allocates approximately €1.8 billion for targeted interventions for marginalised communities, such as the Roma, in 15 Member States from 2021 to 2027. The Commission will also oversee the thorough implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework, with the next implementation report scheduled for release in 2028.
