The European Commission convenes a high level international conference in Brussels on 2 and 3 October 2014 to take stock of progress and lessons learned in integrating Roma at local level with the support of the ROMACT programme.
Roma are the largest and one of the oldest minority groups in Europe. Today, Roma are the ethnic group experiencing the highest levels of poverty and social exclusion across Western, Central and Eastern Europe. Despite policy and legislation in support of minority rights, the Roma continue to be excluded from fully participating in economic, social, political and cultural life and from enjoying a standard of living and well-being that is considered normal in the society in which they live. The ROMACT Programme is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, implemented with the support of the Council of Europe Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion, in order to promote the inclusion of Roma at local and regional level.
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