Text tabled : RC-B7-0222/2010

  Carlos Coelho (PPE), in writing. – (PT) It is estimated that there are between 10 and 12 million Roma living in the EU, making up one of the largest ethnic minorities in Europe. The majority of these people live in conditions of extreme poverty and on the margins of society, with limited access to employment and health care. The members of this ethnic minority continue to suffer discrimination and social exclusion, despite efforts to integrate them.

The EU has been supporting the Member States in their efforts to implement effective policies. In particular, support has been provided for specific projects, and attempts made to ensure that the laws against discrimination are correctly and effectively applied. In Brussels this month, there was a conference at which the various EU projects that are being undertaken were introduced. There must be discussion of the results in April at the Second European Roma Summit in Córdoba. I hope that the results of this summit can contribute to the achievement of a strong European political commitment regarding a future strategy for promoting the inclusion of the Roma people in Europe’s economic, social and cultural life, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone in the EU, including the Roma.