Cost-benefit analysis of the European Roma integration programmes

21.1.2014

Question for written answer E-000540-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Matteo Salvini (EFD)

In 2011, by way of the EU framework for national Roma integration strategies up to 2020, the Commission invited the Member States to undertake a number of initiatives aimed at improving social inclusion of the Roma populations living in the EU.

Some of these initiatives will be funded solely out of the budget of the individual countries, while others, such as the ROMACT programme (which is currently being implemented in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovenia), qualify for part-financing from Europe. According to press sources, just the initial phase of the ROMACT programme referred to above is expected to cost EUR 700 000.

Bearing in mind the need to justify public expenditure in the face of the severe crisis which is affecting Europe as a whole, I would ask the Commission how these funds have been spent so far and what results have been achieved; I would also ask the Commission to put a figure on the funds which are set to be granted within the scope of the ROMACT programme and other initiatives aimed at Roma integration from now until 2020; finally, I would ask what leads the Commission to believe that this programme will be successful in achieving positive results, given that all of the integration policies in recent decades have been completely ineffective despite the considerable sums invested.

OJ C 294, 02/09/2014