Poverty and social exclusion are largely known to be determined by socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions that are transmitted from generation to generation, with the consequence of deepening the income divide and perpetuating societal inequalities. Roma families are particularly affected by such inter-generational transmission of poverty and social exclusion: in addition to universal policies, targeted measures must be urgently put in place in order to support Roma families and communities. The contribution of Roma people to European society and to the European project must be recognised and valued, while the Roma culture should be seen as part of the European culture.

COFACE wishes to insist that Roma are fully fledged European citizens with certain rights and not a “problem” that needs to be solved. Our aim is to bring attention on the specific difficulties that Roma families are facing and call for adapted policy responses.

In its policy statement, COFACE addresses several recommendations to the European Union and its Member States.