On 9 December 2013, all 28 EU countries committed to implementing a set of recommendations, proposed by the European Commission, to step up the economic and social integration of Roma communities.
The Council Recommendation was adopted unanimously by ministers meeting in the Council less than six months after the Commission’s proposal. It is the first ever EU-level legal instrument for Roma inclusion.
The Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the EU countries gives specific guidance to help EU countries strengthen and accelerate their efforts. It
- recommends that EU countries take targeted action to bridge the gaps between the Roma and the rest of the population and
- reinforces the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies agreed by all EU countries in 2011 by setting the conditions for an effective inclusion of Roma people in the EU countries.