Text tabled : RC-B7-0222/2010

  Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL), in writing. – (PT) The resolution on the Second European Roma Summit, which takes place in Córdoba on 8 and 9 April, expresses concern about the discrimination suffered by the Roma in education, housing, employment and equal access to health care systems and other public services, as well as the astounding low level of their political participation.

However, Parliament has asked the Commission to draw up new proposals on the social inclusion of the Roma. This House is also calling on the Member States to make greater and more visible measures to respond to the Roma’s legitimate rights, taking into account the fact that measures to combat discrimination are not sufficient to facilitate their social inclusion. Concerted efforts at Community level are necessary, including financial contributions.

The resolution recommends that the Council adopt a common position on structural and pre-accession funding, reflecting the European political commitment to promote Roma inclusion.

We hope that the Second European Roma Summit focuses on strategic policy commitments that demonstrate a political will to close the gap between Roma communities and majority populations in various countries.