MakinguseofEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFunds

forRomaInclusion

AGuideforLocalAuthorities

EURomaNetwork

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EURoma (EuropeanNetworkonSocialInclusionandRomaundertheStructuralFunds www.euromanet.eu) is aninitiativelaunchedin2007thatgathers12EUMemberStateswiththeaimofpromotingtheuseoftheStructuralFundsforthesocialinclusionoftheRomapopulation.NetworkpartnersarerepresentedbyManagingAuthoritiesandpublicbodiesresponsibleforRomapolicies.TheprimaryobjectivesofEURomaarethesharingofstrategies,initiatives and approaches,mutual learning basedon experience, knowledge generation and the disseminationandstandardisationofsuchknowledge.

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TableofContents

1. INTRODUCTION  31.1Whythisguide? 31.2Thepurposeoftheguide 31.3Targetaudiencesandhowtousethisguide 41.4Anewpositivepoliticalframework 51.5ThelocallevelaskeyfactorintheintegrationofRoma 51.6ContentofthisGuide 62.  THE MAIN MESSAGES AND KEYS TO SUCCESS 

2.1MainMessages

2.2.KeystoSuccessandPracticalRecommendations

3.FOSTERING LOCAL ROMA POLICIES WITH THE SUPPORT OF EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL AND INVESTMENT FUNDS  73.1IncreasingrelevancyoftheRomainclusionintheEUAgenda 113.1.1.TheneedtoimprovetheRoma’ssocialsituation 113.1.2.ApositiveframeworkofEURomapolicies 133.1.3.HowEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundswork 173.1.4.EuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundsatthelocallevel 193.1.5.HowaretheEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundsrelatedtotheRoma? 203.1.6.WhataretheaddedvaluesofapplyingEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundsforRomainclusion?22

3.2.WhichtypesofOperationalProgrammespromoteRomainclusion? 234. WHAT ARE THE EXISTING BARRIERS AND HOW CAN THEY BE OVERCOME?  254.1ExistingbarriersformunicipalitiesaccessingEUFundsforRomainclusion 254.2Fivestepstoovercomethesebarriers 255. POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO ACCESS EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL AND INVESTMENT FUNDS AS A TOOL TO PROMOTE ROMA INCLUSION  385.1.FourmodelstoaccessStructuralandInvestmentFundsatlocallevel 385.1.1.Community‐ledlocaldevelopment(CLLD)initiatives 385.1.2.Sustainableurbandevelopment 395.1.3.IntegratedRehousingOperation 405.1.4.GlobalGrants 42

5.2.ExamplesoflocalandregionalauthoritiesusingStructuralandInvestmentFundsforRomainclusion 43RELEVANT WEBSITES  45

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS  46

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1. Introduction1.1 Why this guide? 

Thepublicationofthisguidearrivesatacriticalmoment:theplanningphasefortheEuropeanStructural and InvestmentFunds (ESIFunds)of thenextprogrammingperiod2014‐2020 iscurrently on‐going, future Regulations have already been approved andMember States areeitherinthefinalstepsofsigningorhavejustsignedtheirPartnershipAgreements(PAs)andOperationalProgrammes(OPs).Nowitistimetoimplement!

The local levelplaysacrucialrole in the implementationofESIFunds andhence, localadministrations are vital in ensuring that the funds get to the local level, that is, to theirbeneficiaries,includingtheRomapopulation.

The ESI Funds, in particular the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European RegionalDevelopmentFund(ERDF),aretheEU’smainfinancialandpolicyinstrumentsatthedisposalofMember States to design and implement policies aimed at enhancing social cohesion andreducinginequalitieswithintheEU.Asaconsequence,inmanycountriestheESIFundsareamajoropportunityforinvestinginRomacommunities.

In fact, theyoffer apool fordesigningmore effective long‐termpolicies, fostering thecooperationbetween thenational, regional and local administrations and involvingdifferentactors including Roma organisations. They are therefore a particularly relevant means offacilitating the inclusionof theRoma in termsof combatingdiscrimination,promotingequalopportunitiesandimprovingtheirsituationintheareasofemployment,education,healthcareand housing conditions. Furthermore, they allow for undertaking long‐term integratedoperationsinalltheseareas.

Roma issueshavebecomemoreandmorerelevantat theEuropean levelandpromoting thesocial inclusion of the Roma form part of an ESF key investment priority “integration ofmarginalisedcommunitiessuchastheRoma”.Furthermore,bothESFandERDFRegulationsexplicitlyrefertotheRomapopulationastargetbeneficiaries:20%of theESFhasbeenearmarked for fighting social exclusionandpoverty,which includes theRomapopulationastarget beneficiaries; housing interventions are eligible as part of an integrated interventionundertheERDF–theymayalsobecoveredbytheESFonacomplementarybasis.However,oneofthemostimportantreasonsforpublishingthisguideisthatthereisaneedforamoreefficientimpactoftheESIFundswithregardstoRomaintegrationatthelocallevel;infact,manymunicipalities are interested inaccessing theESIFunds inorder to improve thesituationoftheirRomapopulationatlocallevel.

 

1.2 The purpose of the guide 

Thecentralaimof thepresentguide is toprovideguidelinesandpracticalsuggestionsontheuseof theSF forRoma inclusionat the local level. The guide should be seen in thecontextoftheemergingEuropeanUnion(EU)policyframeworkembodiedintheEurope2020Strategy, the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS), the current

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(2007‐2013)andfuture(2014‐2020)programmingperiodforESIFunds.ItcomplementstheEURoma guide TacklingRomaneeds in the2014‐2020StructuralFundsProgrammingPeriod.Guide to improve theplanningprocess by shifting the focus from the national and regionalplanningprocessesofPartnershipAgreementsandOperationalProgrammestolocalplanningforeffectiveinterventionswithRomabyusingESIFunds.

EURomaGuide“TacklingRomaneedsinthe2014‐2020StructuralFundsProgrammingPeriod.Guidetoimprovetheplanningprocess”:http://www.euromanet.eu/newsroom/archive/euroma_launches_publication_to_support_the_effective_inclusion_of_roma_in_the_next_programming_period.html

AIM OF THIS GUIDE

Give practical information on how Structural Funds Regulations work

Explain the priorities of the funds

Explain how local authorities can access funds as a tool to promote social inclusion and improve living conditions of Roma in situations of exclusion

Propose practical models

Refer to existing experiences

Enhance the effectiveness of local interventions with Roma and make a real difference on the ground

1.3 Target audiences and how to use this guide 

The primary target audience of this guide are local administrations, in particular staff incharge of Roma policies and staff in charge of policies affecting the Roma (i.e. education,employment, housing, social services etc.), as it provides practical guidelines andrecommendationsofhowtoaccessESIFundsinordertoimplementRomainclusionactivitiesatlocallevel.

Inaddition, thisguidecanbeuseful to institutionsatthenationalandregional level thatareresponsible forthedesignoftheESIFunds,especiallytheOperationalProgrammes,as itprovidesconcretemodelsandrecommendationsonhowthefundscanbeimplementedatlocal

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level. Indeed, regional and national authorities have the responsibility of allowing, andensuring,theappropriateinvolvementoflocalauthoritiesinaccessingEUfunding.

Furthermore,NationalRomaContactPointscanalsomakeuseofthisguideanddisseminatetheinformationtothelocallevelintheirrespectivecountries;Romaorganisationscanuseitas well for activating their dialogue with local authorities and contributing to the planningprocess.

 

1.4 A new positive political framework 

RecentdevelopmentsoftheEUpolicyframeworkfacilitatethepromotionofRomainclusionatthelocallevel:

In2010,theEUadoptedtheEurope2020Strategyasitsoverarchingframeworkforsmart, sustainable and inclusive growth for the coming decade. The strategyincludesspecifictargetsrelatedtoemployment,education,povertyreductionandsocialinclusion,whichdirectly concern special groups, such as theRoma.These targets arecurrentlyguidingthenational,regionalandlocalpolicyprocessestowardsachievingtheset objectives in 2020.More specifically, these targets form an important part of the

Europeansemesterprocessandarethereforereflectedannuallyinitskeydocuments,suchasthe Annual Growth Survey (AGS), the National Reform Programmes (NRP) and the CountrySpecific Recommendations (CSR) that, in several cases, explicitly recommend strengtheningeffortstoimprovethesituationoftheRomapopulationatthelocallevel.

TheEUFramework forNationalRoma IntegrationStrategieswas adopted in2011and calls on Member States to draft NRIS. These national strategies should specifyconcretetargetsinthefourmainpillars:education,employment,healthcareandhousing.TheseobjectiveshavetobeconsistentwiththeEurope2020StrategyandeachMemberStatesNRP.

ContinuousmonitoringandevaluationoftheimplantationofNRIShavedemonstratedthat,inmanycases,thenationalstrategiesarelackingimplementationatthelocallevel; in fact,moreandmoreEU institutionshaveexpressed theiropinion that “NRISshouldworkatlocallevel.”Therefore,theaccesstoESIFundsatlocallevelhastobestrengthenedsignificantlyinthenextprogrammingperiod2014‐2020.Asaresponsetoit,thisguideprovidespracticalinformationonhowtoachievetherespectivenational

RomaintegrationtargetsatlocallevelbyapplyingESIFunds.

1.5 The local level as key factor in the integration of Roma 

As mentioned above, local institutions play a crucial role in the implementation of Romaintegration strategies, as they are the ones dealing directly with Roma issues. An effectiveimplementationofanationalpolicyat local level impliesspecificandconcretemeasuresandactiveparticipationofthelocalinstitutionsandstakeholders.

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DependingontheadministrativestructureintheMemberStates,thelocalleveltendstohavebetweenrelativelymanyandalotofcompetencies,whichmeansthatmanyofthechallengesforRomainclusionaretheresponsibilityoflocaladministrations.Inmanycountries,theyare key decision makers and providers of services, such as housing, urban planning,education,healthcare, socialandenvironmental services–all thesearekeydeterminantsoftheintegrationofRomacommunities.

LocalinterventionspromotingtheintegrationoftheRomaareinthebenefitofallcitizensandarethereforevitalto:

Breaktheinter‐generationaltransmissionofpovertyandexclusionamongRoma; Unleash the energies of Roma youth to generate new sources of growth and fiscal

revenue; Foster constructive relationships in villages and neighbourhoods and contribute to

socialcohesioninalocal,nationalandEuropeancontext; ContributetotheEU’sdemocraticviabilitybyensuringtheinvolvementofRomainthe

localpoliticalarenaasaspringboardfortheirinvolvementinnationalandEUpolitics;

1.6 Content of this Guide Whatarethemainmessagesandkeystosuccess

It gives concrete recommendations on successfulapproaches, good practices and lessons learnt from otherexperiencesatlocallevel.

HowtodesignlocalRomapolicieswiththesupportoftheESIFunds

ItoutlinestheincreasingrelevancyofRomainclusionintheEU Agenda and explains the existing framework andinstrumentsthatcanbeappliedatlocallevel.

IthighlightstheproblemsandchallengesofRomainclusionpolicies at local level and explains how ESI Funds can beused to implement initiatives that promoteRoma inclusionatlocallevel.

It gives an overview of the advantages and added value ofRoma integrationpolicies andprovides examples and goodpracticesatlocallevel.

Howtoaddresskeyissues

It analyses existing barriers formunicipalities to accessingStructuralFundsandgivespracticaltipsonhowtoovercomethem.

Howtotaketheinitiative

Itprovidesusefulsuggestionsonhowtogetinformed,formpartnerships and participate in and influence the planningprocessofESIFunds.

Exploringpotentialoptions

It presents a concrete example of ways to accessingStructuralFundsfromthelocallevel–thedosanddon’tsaswellashowtheyworkinpractice.

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2. TheMainMessagesandKeystoSuccessThischapteroutlinesthekeyideasofthisguide,summarisingmainmessagesandpracticalrecommendationsforimplementingsuccessfulRomaInclusionpoliciesatlocallevel.

2.1. Main Messages 

Based on recommendations and practical suggestions presented in this guide, the main messages can be summarised as follows:

Message 1: Roma inclusion is a duty of local authorities. Above all,it is to the benefit of the entire community, not only to the Roma.

Factstoremember:

• AtEuropeanlevel,thereisaframeworkfortheNationalRomaIntegrationStrategies(NRIS)whichinsistsonactionatthelocallevel.

• YourcountryisduetoimplementaNRISwhichidentifiesactionsandpotentialterritorialareasoffocus.

• PromotingRomainclusionnotonlysavesmoneyandavoidsfutureproblemsandconflicts,butalsobringseconomicandsocialreturnsfortheentirecommunity.

Practicalsuggestions:

• MakeRomainclusionapoliticalpriorityonthelocalagenda• DefineapolicystrategyfortheinclusionoftheRomabasedona(local)diagnosisofthesituation

• Identifyclearprioritiesandtargets• InvolveandempowerRomaatallstagesofRomaintegrationinitiatives• Learnfromexperiencesandconnectwithothervillages/municipalities/cities

Message 2: Municipalities can benefit from the ESI Funds forRoma inclusion by developing projects particularly aimed at theintegration of Roma or by developing projects that focus on areaswith a high Roma concentration

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2.2 Keys to success and practical recommendations 

Basedonrecommendationsandpracticalsuggestionspresentedinthisguide,thefollowingfactorshavebeenidentifiedashavingapositiveeffectonthesuccessoflocalRomainclusionprogrammes:

Factstoremember:• Rightnow,yourcountryisplanningitsactionsforthefinancingperioduntil2020.• TheESIincludeobjectivesrelatedtoeducation,employment,andsocialinclusion.• ThereisoneESFinvestingpriorityspecificallyfocusingonRomaandothermarginalisedcommunities.

• WiththesupportoftheESI,localauthoritiescanundertakeintegratedoperationsaimingatthedesegregationofexcludedandisolatedsetlementswereRomaareliving

Practicalsuggestions:• FindouthowtheESIarebeingimplementedinyourcountry• IdentifythebodiesresponsiblefortheimplementationoftheESIOperationalProgrammes

• BenefitfromabroadrangeoforganisationsthatcanprovideyouinformationandadviceonimplementingESI‐fundedlocalRomaintegrationactivities

Message 3: There are different ways of addressing Roma needs throughEU funds and different needs can be addressed through different funds.

Factstoremember:• YoucanaccessfundsforprojectsthatspecificallyfocusonRomainclusionintheareasofeducation,employment,socialinclusionandfightingdiscrimination.

• YoucanaccessfundsforactivitiesinterritorialareaswhereRomaareliving.• Youcandevelopcommunity‐ledlocalinitiativesinvolvingthelocalactors.• Youcanaccessfundsforcapacitybuildingandtechnicalassistance.

Practicalsuggestions:

• Exploreandconsiderpotentialoptionsandselectthemostadequateoneforthecircumstancesofyourvillage/municipality/city

• LearnhowothercitiesdealwithRomainclusion• Learnfromlessonsidentifiedinotherreportsandgoodpractices

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1 Takesufficienttimeforplanningandplanforthemediumandlong‐term(e.g.projectsfor3‐4yearsup to7yearsandmore)andwith theobjectiveof achieving sustainableresults by performing a proper diagnostic analysis of the situation and settingmeasureableindicators inthekeyareasofRomainclusion(i.e.education,employment,health,housing).

2 Combineactions that address themultipledimensionsofproblems facedbyRoma. Indoing so, an integrated approach should be applied (e.g. specific and adaptededucation, employment, health and housing programmes in good coordination withsocialservicesandotherservices;individualitineraries).

3 Buildonexistingexperiencesthatguaranteecontinuityandsustainabilityoftheactionsinthemediumtolongterm.

4 Definemandatesandresponsibilities(withroomforsharedresponsibilities)fortheprogramme.Theleadershipfunctionhastobedefinedclearly.

5 Accesstoemploymentandhousingarethecentraldriversinurbanareas(includingforRomamigrants):employmentcombinedwithsocialhousingcanactasaspringboardcomplemented with training activities and individual education itineraries (includingsystematicsupporttoRomachildrentopreventearlyschoolleaving).

6 Actively involve and empower Roma from the planning phase onwards (incl.implementation, monitoring and evaluation), including through Roma mediators.Partnerships should be formed with civil society organisations, especially Romaorganisations.Plansshouldinvolvecapacity‐buildingactionsforallinvolvedactors.

7 Consider the particular situation of Roma women, in particular multiple forms ofdiscriminationandgenderinequalities.

8 Improve knowhow and specialisation of local staff and raise political and publicawarenessaboutprejudiceanddiscrimination.

9 AimforthemainstreamingofRomaissuesintogeneralpolicies(avoidingsegregatedorparallelprogrammes).MainstreamservicesshouldbeadaptedtoRomaneeds.

10 Initiatives must achieve “explicit but not exclusive targeting”, meaning that theyshould be adapted and open to Roma, but they should also include other potentialbeneficiaries,particularlythevulnerableandmarginalised.

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11 Mobiliseallexistingresources(human,institutional,economic)fortheprojects.

3. FosteringlocalRomapolicieswiththesupportofEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFunds

KeyIdeas

1

Local and regional authorities play a fundamental role in governing theRomainclusionprocesses inallEUMemberStates,makingthemnaturalcandidates foraninvolvementinESI‐fundedoperations.

2ThenewESIFundsforeseeactiveengagementofthelocallevel intheplanningandimplementationoftheFundsaswellasspecificformsofactionsadaptedtolocallevelneeds:

Local authoritiesare the institutions closest to the citizensandmanyof themostimportant decisions affecting Roma people are taken at the local level,especially in relation to the day‐to‐day practical issues such as health, education,housingandwelfare,whatmaybetermeda‘proximity’role;

They are important providers, if not the key providers, of services of crucialimportance for theRoma community: social services, housing, health services,education,utilities(e.g.water,wastedisposal,streetpaving,streetlighting);

They bring together the broad range of stakeholders necessary for thesuccessfulimplementationoflocally‐basedprojectsandservicesforRomapeople;

They are normally the authority responsible forphysicaland spatialplanningwheresettlementissuescanbemostdifficult;

TheyarethestartingpointfortheinvolvementofRomacommunitiesinlocalpolitics,democraticsocietyandactivecitizenship,essentialforsocialinclusion;

They often implement existing national plans and strategies for RomaintegrationaccordingtotheirlevelofcompetenceandwilldosotoagreaterextentwithintheNRIS.Nationalandregionalauthoritiesshouldsupportthelocal levelintheimplementationoftheseplans.

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3.1 Increasing relevancy of the Roma inclusion in the EU Agenda 

3.1.1. The need to improve the Roma’s social situation 

ImprovingthesocialsituationoftheRomaisnotonlyamatterofhumanrightsandsolidarity–itisalsoaneconomicmatter.TheRomaarethe largestminoritygroup intheEU, totallingbetween10and12millionpeople.Thisgroup is spread throughout theEuropeancontinentand with a high concentration in Central and Eastern Europe. The Roma population ischaracterisedbyasignificantdegreeofheterogeneitybetweenandwithincountries,betweenurban and rural areas, between andwithin cities/towns.Despite this diversity andwith theexception of specific Roma groups and individual cases, a veryhighproportion ofRomapersonsareaffectedbysevereformsofpovertyandsocialexclusion,especially insomecountries.It is estimated that 90 per cent of Roma in those Member States with the largest Romapopulationsare living inorat riskofpoverty,whilealmost80per centofRomaexperienceseverematerialdeprivation.

The gap between Roma communities and themajority population has been growingsignificantlyinmanycountriesinthepasttwodecades.Thissituationisfurtherworseningdue to the current economic crisis and the growth of racist discourses andmovements andintensifies difficulties encountered by municipalities in managing diversity and achievingsocialandterritorialcohesion.

TheRomafacedeepsocialproblemsmanifestin:• loweducationallevels,• highunemploymentandprecariousemployment,• inadequatehousing,orlackofhousing• poorhealth,• anegativesocialimageanddiscriminationonthegroundofethnicity.

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TheViciousCircleofRomaExclusion

Inadditiontotheabove,itisalsoimportanttohighlighttheeconomiccostofRomaexclusion.As the vast majority of working‐age Roma lack sufficient education their successfulparticipation in the labour market is limited. As a result, European countries are losinghundreds of millions of Euros annually in productivity and in fiscal contributions to thegovernment. Furthermore, in several countries Europe 2020 targets related to employment,education and social inclusionwill not be reached if there is no substantial progress in theintegrationofRoma.

Poorhousingconditionsand

spatialsegregation

Limitedaccesstohealthcare&educationservices

Poorhealthandeducationlevels

Limitedjobopportunities

IncreasingdiscriminationandracismagainstRoma

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EconomiccostsofRomaexclusion

Source:WorldBank“EconomicCostsofRomaExclusion”:http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/EXTROMA/0,,contentMDK:22526807~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:615987,00.html

 

3.1.2. A positive framework of EU Roma policies Without doubt, Roma issues have gained considerable significance in the EU agendawithinrecentyears.ThefollowingdevelopmentshavecontributedtoformingapositiveframeworkofRomapoliciesintheEU:

Theeconomiclossesforthefourcountriescombined(incl.add.data)areasmuchas5.7billioneuro

annually,andthefiscallosses2billioneuro

annually.

Estimatesofannualproductivitylossesrangefrom231millioneuroinSerbia,367millioneurointheCzechRepublic,526millioneuroinBulgaria,to887millioneuroin

Romania.

Annualfiscallossesrangefrom58millioneuroinSerbia,202millioneuroinRomania,233million

eurointheCzechRepublic,and370million

euroinBulgaria.

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Year Policyandlegalmeasures Characteristics

2009

1. Constructive, pragmatic and non‐discriminatorypolicies

2. Explicitbutnotexclusivetargeting3. Inter‐culturalapproach4. Aimingforthemainstream5. Awarenessofthegenderdimension6. Transferofevidence‐basedpolicies7. UseofEuropeanUnioninstruments8. Involvementofregionalandlocalauthorities9. Involvementofcivilsociety10. ActiveparticipationoftheRoma

2010

Significantly raises the availability of EU financialresourcesforRomainclusion

Insistson the importanceof involvingmunicipalitiesas beneficiaries in the implementation of StructuralFunds.

Establishes the integrated approach anddesegregationasaconditiontoaccessingERDFfundsforhousinginterventions.

QualitativeshiftintheEU’sapproachtowardsthesocio‐economicintegration,theimprovementofsocialconditionsandtheaccesstosocialrightsofRomabycontributingtoraisingtheRomaissueonthepoliticalagendaandtoadoptingasharedapproachtoRomainclusionamongstakeholders

ExplicitlyadvocatesthedeploymentofSFforRomainclusionintheNationalRomaIntegrationStrategies.

Insistsonthecrucialimportanceoflocalauthoritiesinimplementingprogrammestoachieveadifferenceontheground.

2011

2013 StrongindicationofthecommitmentoftheEUbothtoensureSFreachRomaandtoinvolvelocalauthoritiesintheuseofSFforRomainclusion

Makes a strong call onMember States to fulfil theirobligationstowardstheRomaEUcitizenry.

CouncilrecommendationoneffectiveRoma

integrationmeasuresintheMemberStates

ECCommunication“AnEUFrameworkforNationalRoma

IntegrationStrategiesupto2020”

ECCommunication“Thesocialandeconomic

integrationoftheRomainEurope”

TheamendmentofArticle7.2ofRegulation1080/2006/EContheEuropeanRegional

DevelopmentFundforMemberStatesas

regardstheeligibilityofhousinginterventionsinfavourofmarginalised

communities

10CommonBasicPrinciplesonRoma

Inclusion

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3.2.Romaatthelocallevel:mainproblemsandchallengesMostofthechallengesrelatedtoRomainclusionhavetobeaddressedatlocallevelasthisiswheretheRomalive.TheproblemsfacedbytheRomapopulationatlocallevelareoftendirectlyrelatedtotheirlivingcircumstances.Thebelowcategorisationdoesnotcoverthefull variety nor does it generalise the situations experienced by Roma living in Europe;however, thedifferentsituationsrefertothemost frequent livingconditionsoftheRomapopulation observable throughout the EU and therefore provide an insight into theproblemsandchallengesfacedatlocallevel:

MostfrequentsituationsofRomainEuropeatthelocallevel1

Situation1:Romacommunitieslivinginintegratedurbanandsuburbanneighbourhoods

Situation2:Romacommunitieslivinginsegregatedurbanandsuburbanneighbourhoods

1Reproducedfrom“WhatworksforRomainclusionintheEU.Policiesandmodelapproaches.”ECDGJustice,http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/files/whatworksfor_romainclusion_en.pdf

Characteristics

•High‐densityareasofthecities,usuallyinlower‐middleorworking‐classneighbourhoods.•Romalivingtogetherwithrestofpopulation,oftenwithotherminorities/migrants.•Engagedinaprocessofsocio‐economicintegrationbutwithhigherriskofexclusionthantheirneighbours.•Publicservicesoftenquality.

Dynamics&Trends

•HighphysicalconcentrationofRomatendstohamperintegration,distributionfacilitiesit.•Concentrationcanoftenbecausedby“whiteflight”.•Concentrationinhousinghasmultipliereffectinpublicservices,esp.schools(higherbirthrates).•Publicinvestmentininfrastructure(e.g.qualityofsocialhousing)iscrucialforpositivechange.•Participatorypractices(involvementofRomaassociations)accelerateinclusion.•Accesstopublicservicesiscrucialforintegration.

Commonin

•MostcommoninSpain.•AlsofrequentlyincentralEurope(Hungary,theCzechRepublic,Slovakia)aswellasPoland,RomaniaandBulgaria

Characteristics

•Deterioratedurbanandsuburbanneighbourhoods,spatiallyisolated,slums,settlementsorsemi‐ruralhousingareas•Ethnicconcentration(exclusivelyRoma),highlevelsofpovertyanddeprivation•Sometimeslivingthereforalongtime,sometimesresultofmigrationfromcountrysidetocities,sometimesoccupiedafterthefalloftheSovietbloc(consequenceofrehousing)

Dynamics&Trends

•Lackofmeasuresaimedatimprovingphysicalorsocialaccessibility,lackofinfrastructure(deterioratingovertime),lowqualityhousing•Symbolicandphysicalboundaries•Stigmatisation:littleattractivenessforprivateinvestment,unattractivetoprofessionalsofpublicservices(esp.mostskilled&mostimportantforimprovementofsocio‐economicconditions),self‐stigmatisation(reducesexpectationofimprovements)•Publicabandonment:notapriorityforlocalpoliticians,commondiscourse“theydon’twanttobeintegrated”,influencesdecreasinginterestandcompromiseofRomaintakingcareofbothpublicandprivategoods•Ethnicconcentration,“whiteflight”.

Commonin

•SlovakRepublic•CzechRepublic•Hungary•Romania•Bulgaria•Greece•Spain•Portugal• Italy•France•ButexamplesinallEUcountries

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Situation3:Romacommunitieslivinginsegregatedruralsettlements

Situation4:RomamigrantsandRomaEUnationalsmovingwithintheEU‐15MemberStates

Situation5:RomaTravellersand(Semi‐)MobileLifestyles

Characteristics

•Segregatedruralsettlements,isolatedfromcitiesandvillagesorsituatedinthevicinityofvillages,extremedeprivation• Insomecountries(Slovakia,Romania,Hungary)“segregatedvillages”:ghettoised,highriskofsocio‐economicexclusion.•Manyestablishedatthebeginningofthe1950s,butalsomanyotherrecently.•Lackofbasicinfrastructure&accesstoservices.•Lackofaccesstoproductiveresources(land,workingcapital)neededforsubsistenceagriculture:absenceoffoodandheatingmeans.

Dynamics&Trends

•Highbirthrates,earlymarriagesetc.:expansionofslums,increasingimbalancebetweenRoma&non‐Roma.•Worseninglackofbasicconsumergoodsandeconomicopportunities.•Extremepovertyandhighlevelsofdependencyonsocialwelfare,debttrap,subjecttovariousformsofexploitation.•Legalinsecurity:nopropertyrights(refusaltoprovidepublicservices)• Increasingmigration:tocities,toothercountries(EU‐15).

Commonin

•Slovakia:25%ofRoma•Romania:40.5%‐65%•Hungary:44%‐60%•Bulgaria:43‐48%•Frontierareas:Hungary‐Slovakia,Romania‐Serbia,Romania‐Hungary.•Greece:25%•Portugal:Algarve

Characteristics

•Short‐ andmedium‐termmigrants(formerYugoslavia,Romania,Bulgaria,theSlovakandCzechRepublics)tomainlyEU‐15.•Pushfactors:povertyandtheexperienceofracism,discrimination,violence•Pullfactors:circularpatterns,searchformorestableemployment/higherqualityofpublicservices,friends&familyindestinationcountries,loweranti‐Romadiscrimination•Status:lackoffullcitizenship(ethnicminority),refugeesorasylum‐seekers,noresidencepermit

Dynamics&Trends

• Increasingprominenceonthepoliticalagenda:worsenedpublicperceptionsofRoma,diplomatictensionsonRomaissue,fuelledracistpoliticaldiscourses•Generalisedconfusionandinadequacyofordinarymechanisms•Risinghostilityandpublicorderapproach• Increasingtheviciouscircleofexclusionanddiscrimination

Commonin

• Inthe1990s:migrationtoItaly,France,theUK,GermanyBelgium•MostrecentlyallEU‐15,incl.peripheralcountries:Ireland,Spain,Portugal;toalesserextentNordiccountries

Characteristics

•Tendtoliveinseparateplaces(sites,camps,etc.),locatedatadistancefrommajoritypopulations,usuallybuiltbylocalauthorities,sometimesrentapieceoflandwhereextendedfamiliesinstalltheirmobilehomes•Mobilityisscarceinwintertimeandincreasesinthesummer

Dynamics&Trends

•Enmassenotverycommonanymore(mid‐twentiethcentury)•Historicaldifficultiesbystatestoacceptthislifestyles,misunderstandingsofreasonsforbypopulation.•Mobilewaysoflifeposeseveraladministrativeproblemsforpublicinstitutions(accesstoservices):increasingconfrontationwithauthorities,discrimination.•Caravanrecognisedasformofhousing(insomecountries),limitedspacemadeavailable,localauthoritiesoftenignorethemtoreducepressurefromcitizens

Commonin

•Frequentinthepast•ContinuesinwesternandnorthernEurope:Belgium,Germany,France,Italy,theUKandIreland,tosomeextentinNordiccountries&theNetherlands

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3.3ConnectingEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundswiththeRoma

3.3.1. How European Structural and Investment Funds work The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI) are a crucial financial tool in theimplementationoftheNationalRomaIntegrationStrategies.

The11thematicobjectivesofESIFunds

SeveralFundsworkcomplementarily

The Regulations of two particular ESI Funds specifically address the integration of theRomapopulation:

The EuropeanRegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF) aims to strengthen economic,socialandterritorialcohesionintheEUbycorrectingimbalancesbetweenregions.TheERDFsupportsregionalandlocaldevelopmenttocontributetoallthematicobjectives.Itisfrequentlyusedfor‘hard’projectsandinfrastructure,likeroads,bridges,railwaysetc. and, in the coming period, for supporting innovation aswell as for fostering lowcarbon economy.However, it can and shouldbe used for social infrastructure (socialand community facilities, neighbourhood services, community development andhousinginthecaseofmarginalisedcommunities).

TheEuropeanSocialFund(ESF)istheEU’smainfinancialinstrumentforinvestinginpeople. It increases the employment opportunities of European citizens, promotesbetter education, and improves the situationof themost vulnerable people at risk of

1.Strengtheningresearch,technologicaldevelopment,and

innovation

2.Enhancingaccesstoanduseofinformationandcommunication

technologies

3.Enhancingthecompetitivenessofsmallandmedium‐sizedenterprises

(SMEs)

7.Promotingsustainabletransport

andremovingbottlenecksinkey

networkinfrastructures

4.Supportingtheshifttowardsalow‐carboneconomyinallsectors

5. Promotingclimatechangeadaptationand

riskprevention

6.Protectingtheenvironmentandpromotingresource

efficiency

8.Promotingemploymentandsupportinglabour

mobility

9.Promotingsocialinclusionand

combatingpoverty

10.Investingineducation,skills,andlifelonglearning

11.Enhancinginstitutionalcapacity

andanefficientpublic

administration

ESF

OBJECTIVES

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poverty. It focuses on the last 4 thematic objectives (8‐11). There is a specificinvestmentpriorityfocusonRoma.

Furthermore,theEuropeanAgriculturalFundforRuralDevelopment(EAFRD)aimstosupport rural areas by improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestrysector,improvingtheenvironmentandthecountrysideandimprovingthequalityoflifeinruralareasandencouragingdiversificationoftheruraleconomy.Asdescribedintheabovechapter, many Roma, especially in some countries, live in rural areas and have a poorqualityof life.This fundcould therefore tackledisadvantagedmicro‐regionswheremanyRomaruralsettlementsarelocated.

DeliveryofESIFunds

ESIFundsareallocatedtotheMemberStatesfollowingbilateralnegotiationswiththeECatthe beginning of each seven‐year programming period, or ‘Multiannual FinancialFramework– the current one being 2014‐2020. Despite being EUmoney, ESI Funds areunder the responsibility of Member States and their regional authorities, which have tomanage these budgets under their respective Partnership Agreements, which include aseriesofOperationalProgrammes.

It is the responsibility of the Member State to deliver the ESI Funds through so‐calledManagingAuthorities,whicharedefinedas:“Anational,regionalorlocalpublicauthorityora public or private body designated by theMember State tomanage the OP”. The sameManagingAuthoritymaymanagemorethanoneOP.

Fundinglevelsandgeographicalcoverage

Under the Cohesion Policy a total of 325 billion eurowill be available (through the ESIFunds) for the coming programming period 2014‐2020. Levels of investment from ESIsdependonthelevelofdevelopmentofdifferentregions:

Source:EuropeanCommission

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Co‐funding

Thelevelofco‐foundingvariesanddependsontheregions:forinstance,themoredevelopedregions usually have to co‐fund 50%, transitional regions usually up to 40% and the lessdevelopedregions20%.

3.3.2. European Structural and Investment Funds at the local level Thenewprogrammingperiod2014‐2020ofESIFunds strengthens the localdimension in avarietyofareas:

•Theabove‐describedgeographicaldistributionofESIfundinglevelsrepresentstheterritorialprioritisationofinvestmentobjectivesinthedifferentregions.Italsoclearlyhighlightstheimportanceofthelocallevelinguaranteeingthatthefundsachievetheirobjectives.

DistributionofESIFundsbyterritories:

•IntheplanningprocessoftheStructuralFundsbytheMemberStatesthelocallevelplaysakeyroleforthePartnershipAgreementsandtheOperationalProgrammes.

Strengtheningthelocallevelinamulti‐levelgovernancecontext:

•OperationalProgrammesneedtoincludeconcreteinvestmentobjectivesthatshouldbeachievedinspecificareaswhichconsequentlyimpliesaclosecooperationbetweenthelocallevel,bothintheplanningandimplementationprocess.

ThelocalperspectiveofOperationalProgrammes:

•ThenewESIregulationsstatethatthecontentofthePartnershipAgreementshouldincludemeasurestoensureanintegratedapproachtotheuseoffundsforterritorialdevelopmentwithaspecialfocusongeographicalareasmostaffectedbypovertyorwithtargetgroupsathighestriskofdiscriminationorexclusion.

Impulsetoanintegratedterritorialdevelopmentapproach:

•TheLocallevelgainsparticularstrengthinthecaseoftheEAFRDanditsfocusonthedevelopmentofruralareasthatrequiresactiveengagementofthelocallevel.

Reinforcementoflocalparticipativedevelopment:

•Inordertopromoteanintegratedapproachfromaterritorialperspective,thenewregulationsprovidetwomechanismstofacilitatelocalownership:community‐ledinitiativesandintegratedterritorialinvestments;bothmechanismsinvolvepursuinglocalstakeholdersandcommunitiesintheimplementationofprograms.

Newimplementationmechanismforlocalintegratedapproach:

•Exanteconditionalitiesarerequirementstobemetinordertoaccessfundsanddevelopprograms.Eachoftheconditionalitiesspecifiescompliancecriteria– manyofthemrefertothelocallevel.

Exanteconditionalitieswithaterritorialperspective:

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3.3.3. How are the European Structural and Investment Funds related to the Roma? 

The above‐described ESI Funds objective 9 specifically aims to promote social inclusionandcombatpoverty,which isreflected in the6ESF investmentprioritiesaddressing thisobjective9.AlltheseinvestmentprioritiescanrelatetoinclusionfortheRomapopulation;thesecondoneexplicitlyfocusesonRoma.

ESIFundsObjective9:Promotingsocialinclusionandcombatingpoverty

As described above, the ESF includes an investment priority which specifically refers toRoma: “Integration of marginalised communities such as the Roma”. The ESF isthereforetheidealESIFundtofinanceactionsrelatedtoRomainclusion.

Furthermore, thisESF investmentprioritymaybe complementedby the followingERDFinvestmentpriorities: Investinginhealthandsocial infrastructuretoimproveaccesstohealthandsocial

services Support for physical and economic regeneration of deprived urban and rural

communities

ESFInvestmentpriorities(ESIFundsObjective9)

1.Activeinclusion

2.IntegrationofmarginalisedcommunitiessuchastheRoma

3.Combatingdiscriminationbasedonsex,racialorethnicorigin,religionorbelief,disability,ageorsexualorientation

4.Enhancingaccesstoaffordable,sustainable&high‐qualityservices,includinghealthcare&socialservicesofgeneralinterest.

5.Promotingthesocialeconomy&socialenterprises

6.Community‐ledlocaldevelopmentstrategies

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SpecificESFandERDFinvestmentprioritiestargetingRoma

PotentialactionsunderthisESFinvestmentpriority(whichmaybecomplementedbyERDF):

Integratedpathwaystothelabourmarket,includingindividualisedsupport,counselling,guidanceandaccesstogeneralandvocationaleducationandtraining.

Accesstoservices,inparticularsocialcare,socialservicesandhealthcare Eliminationofsegregationineducation,promotingearly‐childhoodeducation,fighting

earlyschool‐leavingandensuringsuccessfultransitionsfromschooltoemployment. Measurestoovercomeprejudicesanddiscrimination. Support for the physical and economic regeneration of deprived urban and rural

communities including the Roma, including the promotion of integrated planswheresocialhousing is accompaniednotablyby interventions ineducation,health includingsportfacilitiesforlocalresidentsandemployment(ERDF).

However,itisimportanttorememberthat,eventhoughthereisonespecificESFinvestmentpriority (under theESIFunds thematicobjective9) focusingon theRoma community, there are many possibilities of including Roma asbeneficiariesofanyof theotherESIFunds thematicobjectives,especiallytheESFobjectivesandtheirrespectiveinvestmentprioritiesasthefollowing

chartdemonstrates:

ESFInvestmentpriority

2.Integrationofmarginalisedcommunities

suchastheRoma

ERDFinvestmentpriorities

Investinginhealthandsocialinfrastructuretoimproveaccesstohealthandsocialservices

Supportforphysical&economicregenerationofdeprivedurban&

ruralcommunities

!

Maybecomplemented

with

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ThemostrelevantESFInvestmentPrioritiesunderESIFundsThematicObjectives8,10and11

3.3.4. What are the added values of applying European Structural and Investment Funds for Roma inclusion? The application of ESI Funds for Roma offers a powerful financial tool for the effectiveimplementationofNRIS:

Long‐termsustainableprojects

Roma inclusion project must have a long‐term andsustainablevision.ESI‐fundedRomainclusionprojectscanthereforebedevelopedwithdurationofupto7years.

Extensivefinancialsupport The ESI Funds co‐financing requirement stimulates theactiveinvolvementofallstakeholders.

Opportunityforcombiningactionlevelsfromaholisticperspective

Actionsimplementedconcurrentlyatthenational(policies)andlocallevels(grassroots)haveasignificantimpact:

Topdown–bottomup: ESI Funds allow for localisedimplementation that feed back into EU’s holistic

ESIObjective8:Promotingemploymentand

supportinglabourmobility

Accessto employmentforjob‐seekers&inactivepeople,includinglocalemploymentinitiatives&supportforlabourmobility

Sustainableintegrationofyoungpeoplenotinemployment,educationortrainingintothelabourmarket

Self‐employment,entrepreneurship&businesscreation

Equalitybetweenmen&women&reconciliationbetweenwork&privatelife

Adaptationofworkers,enterprises&entrepreneurstochange

ESIObjective10:Investingineducation,skillsand

lifelonglearning

Reducingearlyschool‐leaving&promotingequalaccesstogoodqualityearly‐childhood,primary&secondaryeducation

Improvingthequality,efficiency&opennessoftertiary&equivalenteducationwithaviewtoincreasingparticipation&attainmentlevels

Enhancingaccesstolifelonglearning,upgradingtheskills&competencesoftheworkforce&increasingthelabourmarketrelevanceofeducation&trainingsystems

ESIObjective11:Enhancinginstitutionalcapacityand

anefficientpublicadministration

Investmentininstitutionalcapacity&intheefficiencyofpublicadministrations&publicserviceswithaviewtoreforms,betterregulation&goodgovernance<onlyinlessdevelopedcountries>

Capacitybuildingforstakeholdersdeliveringemployment,education&socialpolicies&sectoral&territorialpactstomobiliseforreformatnational,regional&locallevel.

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approachtoeconomicdevelopmentandsocialcohesion.

Local–national: integrationofvariouslevelsofpolicydesignandimplementation.

Grassroots –policy strategies: it is possible to worknotonlywiththeRomacommunitybutalsowithsocietyatlargesothatprojectandactionsareatthebenefitoftheentirecommunity.

Opportunityforstrongpartnerships

A strong partnership between public and privateorganisations(publicauthorities,businesses,themediaandthe non‐profit sector) is possible and desirable for policydesign,implementation,monitoringandevaluation.

OpportunitytotargetthemostexcludedgroupswhilemainstreamingRomaissues

Byplacingthemonthepolicyagendaandbyachievingtheimplementation of targeted yet non‐segregated services.Action adapted to target groups guarantees and increasesimpact, which emphasises the close linkages betweeneducation,employmentandinclusion.

Opportunityforcapacitybuilding:

By fostering administrative capacity, training of Romaprofessionals and managers and creating local socialcapital.

Newmodelsofpolicydesignandimplementation

Partnershipapproacheswithahighengagementofprivateorganisations, including non‐profit organisations, in theplanningandimplementationoftheFunds.

3.4. Which types of Operational Programmes promote Roma inclusion? TherearedifferentapproachesthatMemberStatescouldusetodevelopOPsthatpromotetheinclusionofRoma.Dependingonthe typeandobjectivesofOPsdeveloped foryourcountry,the following3 approachesare theonesmost commonlyused to addressRoma inclusion inOPs: Explicit targeting means focusing on Roma and implementingmeasures specifically

tailored to their needs, or focusing explicitly on excluded groups including Roma.ExplicitbutnotexclusiveRoma targeting, while including other groups in similarsocio‐economiccircumstances,hasproventobeoneofthebestwaysoftacklingRomasocio‐economicintegration.SeveralcountriesareincludingspecificmeasurestargetingRomaintheirOPs.Explicittargetingimpliesclearobjectives,specificthemes,adequateformsofimplementationaswellasspecificformsofreporting.

MainstreamingmeanstakingintoaccounttheneedsoftheRomaindifferentOPsandisoneoption thatMemberStatesmay follow inorder todeveloppolicies inclusiveofRomapeople.Infact,promotingtheinclusionoftheRomainmainstreamsocietyshouldbetheultimateaimofallpolicies.

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Micro‐territorial actions focus on specific needs of the geographical areas at thegreatestriskofpoverty,aswellastheofgroupsatriskofexclusionanddiscrimination,asisthecaseoftheRoma.Thisintegratedapproachusuallycombinestheuseofseveralfundswiththeirrespectiveobjectives,e.g.ERDFshouldprovideinvestmentsinhealth,education and social infrastructures, as well as to recover physical and economicexcludedareas;ESFshouldconcentrateoneducation,employment,socialinclusion,thefightagainstpovertyandtheimprovementofadministrativecapacity.

Based on the above‐described common approaches to address Roma inclusion in OPs, thefollowing table gives an overview of potential situations and potential OPs youmay find inyourcountry. Italsoexplainsthat insomecountriesyoumayfinddifferentOPswhichcouldallow local authorities to access ESI Funds in order to finance actions that promote Romainclusion.

PotentialsituationsMostlikelyapproach

Targeting Main‐streaming

Micro‐territorial

1. AfullNationalOPfocusedonRoma,e.g.agovernmentdecidestohaveaspecificOPforRomaintegration.

ESFOPorESFOPwiththesupportofERDFand/orEARDF

MayfocusonurbanorruralareaswithhigherRomaconcentration.

2. OPsusuallyfocusedonsocialinclusion,includingspecificobjectivesandactionswithRoma,e.g.anOPtopromotesocialinclusionofthemostvulnerablegroups

ESFOPorESFOPwiththesupportofERDFand/orEARDF

MayfocusonurbanorruralareasincludingareaswithhigherRomaconcentration

3. InclusiveRomaapproachwithoneofseveralESFthematicobjectivesESF(education,employment,socialinclusion,administrativecapacity),e.g.OPonhumanresourcedevelopment

OneorseveralESFOPsoroneorseveralESFOPswiththesupportofERDFand/orEARDF

MayfocusonurbanorruralareasincludingareaswithhigherRomaconcentration

4. InclusiveRomaapproachintheimplementationoftheYouthEmploymentInitiativeandtheYouthGuarantee,e.g.OPforyouthemployment

OneESFOPsoroneESFOPswiththesupportofERDFand/orEARDF

MayfocusonurbanorruralareasincludingareaswithhigherRomaconcentration

5. InclusiveRomaapproachwiththematicobjectivescorrespondingtoERDFandEARDF,e.g.OPonruraldevelopment

OneorseveralERDFand/orEARDFprograms.

MayfocusonurbanorruralareasincludingareaswithhigherRomaconcentration

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4. Whataretheexistingbarriersandhowcantheybeovercome?

4.1 Existing barriers for municipalities accessing EU Funds for Roma inclusion In many countries, ESI Funds are currently underused, especially at local and regionaladministrationlevel.CommonbarrierstoaccessingESIFundsatlocallevelare:

Commonbarriers

Politicalreluctance,inpartduetosocialresistance

Lowmotivationduetopreviousfailures

LackofinformationonESIfundingopportunities

LackofactiveinvolvementofthelocallevelintheplanningprocessofESIFunds

Limitedtechnicalcapacityinlocaladministrations,sometimesduetotheirsmallsize

Requirementofco‐financing,coupledwithlackofresourcesandcash‐flowproblems

ComplexadministrativerulesmanagingESIFunds

Lackofclearguidelinesforintervention

Difficultiesinestablishingadequatepartnerships

4.2 Five steps to overcome these barriers 

ThefollowingstepsareessentialformunicipalitiestoovercomethebarriersofaccessingEUfundsforRomainclusion.Thebelowtablegivesabriefoverviewofthedifferentstepswhichwillbeexplainedindetailinthischapter.

Step1:MakeRomaintegrationapolicypriority

Addresses lack of politicalmotivation and reluctance andexplainswhyitisimportantforlocalpoliticianstoaddressRomaissues.

Step2:Getinformed Addresses the lack of information on ESI fundingopportunities (and to a certain extent complexadministrative rules managing ESI Funds) and explainswheretofindthenecessaryinformation.

Step3:Exploreallco‐ Addressesthebarrierofco‐fundingrequirementsandlack

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financingpossibilities of resources and gives tips onwhere to look for possibleco‐funding.

Step4:Getconnected&learnfromothers

Addresses the lack of information on ESI fundingopportunities and limited technical capacity. It givesexamples of differentplatforms, forums, programmes etc.thatmaybehelpful for learning, sharing experiences andgettingsupport.

Step5:Establishpartnershipsandfostercooperation

Addresses difficulties in establishing adequatepartnershipsandproposeswaystofostercooperationwiththedifferentstakeholders.

Step1 MakeRomaintegrationapolicypriority

As explained above, a lack of political motivation is one of themain barriers to promotingRomaintegration.ThefirststeptosolvingtheproblemofRomaexclusionispoliticalwillandthecommitmentofpoliticalinstitutionsatalllevels:Romainclusionhastoformanintegralpartofthepoliticalagenda–atnational,regionalandlocallevel.

WhyshouldelectedlocalrepresentativestackleRomaproblems?1. BecausefightingRomaexclusionistherightthingtodo:promotingRomainclusion

policiesnotonlycomplieswithinternationalstandardsbutalsofosterstheprotectionofhumanrights.

2. Because the social image and perception of the city/municipality/village willimproveifallpersonsofthecommunityarefullyintegrated(e.g.citiesthatdonothavesettlement problems are perceived as safer and more stable by the population;populations in cities with high levels of segregation usually experience extremestigmatisation).

3. Becausemaintainingsegregationandexclusionismoreexpensive:thereisalargebody of evidence that cities that invest in the promotion of inclusion ofmarginalisedcommunities not only save expenditures in the long‐run but also receive economicreturnsbymeansofincreasedsocialandhumancapital(e.g.notsolvingtheproblemofsegregated Roma settlements implies large expenditures solving social problemsaffecting the entire community while the problems remain unsolved; transitionsettlementsusuallyimplymoreexpenditureanddelayingthesolutionoftheproblems)

4. Because the reduction of segregation improves social relations of the entirecommunity:whilesegregationcanonlyleadtodiscriminationandconflict,integrationisthekeytoaharmonioussociety.

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5. Becauseitistothebenefitofallcitizens:everyonewantstoliveinasafe,stableandharmonioussociety thatprovidesopportunities foreveryone.By improving theRomasituation,allneighbourswillbenefit.AddressingRomaneedsshouldbedoneinawaythateveryonebenefits.

6. BecauseitisawaytoattractESIfunding:well‐designedRomainclusionprojectsaremostlikelytoreceiveESIfunding.TheStructuralandInvestmentsFundsareoneofthebestopportunitiestoinvestinRomaprojectsatthelocallevel.

Step2 Getinformed

Thetwomostimportantquestionsbeforegettingstartedare:

WhodecidesabouttheimplementationoftheESI‐fundedprogrammesinmycountry?

DecisionsabouttheallocationofESIFundsineachcountryaretakenbynationalandregionalauthorities:

Atthepolicylevel: Bythecentralgovernment (commonlytheMinistryofPresidencyandtheMinistryofFinancetogetherwithotherministriesand/ordepartmentse.g.theMinistryofEmployment,EducationandSocialAffairsfortheESF,theMinistryofUrbanand Local Planning/Development for the ERDF, the Ministry of Agriculture for theEARDF).

At the technical and administrative level by ESF, ERDF and EAFRD ManagingAuthorities,usuallylocatedingovernmentministries.TheManagingAuthoritiesaretheintermediarybodiesresponsibleformanagingthesefundsandtheirrespectiveOPs.

It is important to take into account that some countries have a high degree ofadministrative decentralisation into Regions; therefore, the Regional Administrationsplayanimportantroleinthedecisionmakingprocess.Forinstance,almostallregionshaveRegionalOPs.

ESFManagingAuthorityinyourcountry:http://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=524&langId=en

ERDFManagingAuthorityinyourcountry:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/manage/authority/authority_en.cfm

TowhatextentdolocalauthoritieshavetobeinvolvedintheimplementationofESI‐fundedprogrammes?

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TherecentlyapprovedEuropeanCodeofConductonpartnership intheframeworkofESIFunds2obligesMemberStatestoinvolverelevantpartnersinthepreparationandensuretheirparticipation in the implementation of OPs. The regulation givesparticular importance tocompetent regional, local, urban and other public authorities, including regionalauthorities,nationalrepresentativesoflocalauthoritiesandlocalauthoritiesrepresentingthelargest cities and urban areas. The Code of Conduct states thatMember States shall involverelevantpartnersinthepreparationofprogrammes,includingforthefollowingtasks:

theanalysisandidentificationofneeds; thedefinitionorselectionofprioritiesandrelatedspecificobjectives; theallocationoffunding; thedefinitionofprogrammes’specificindicators; thecompositionofthemonitoringcommittee

WhatdoIneedtoknow?

The above‐mentionedManagingAuthorities (in particular the ESFManaging Authority inyourcountry)shouldprovideyouwithinformationonthefollowingimportantquestionsyouneedknowwhenplanningESI‐fundedRomaintegrationactivitiesatlocallevel:

1. ArethereOPsinmycountryfocusingonlocaldevelopmentandurbandevelopment?

Insomecases,therearespecificOPsfocusedonurbanandlocaldevelopment,inotherstherearepartsofanOPfocusingonlocalandurbandevelopment.

2. If this isthecase,whoarethe intermediarybodiesatregionalor local levelresponsibleforthemanagementoftheseOPs?

Usually, intermediary bodies may be regional authorities, departments of the centralGovernmentand,insomecases,specialisedagencies.

3. Can cities/municipalities/villages be final recipients of these funds? If so, underwhichOPs?

Usuallycitiesmaybefinalrecipientsofthefundsthroughintermediarybodies;thesefundsare to be used for the development of specific investment priorities and actions. Undercertainconditions,localauthoritiesmayalsoactasintermediarybodies,directlymanagingESIFunds(see4.2.4.GlobalGrants)

4. Ifthisisthecase,howwillthefundsbeallocatedtothelocallevel?

Usually funds can be allocated through different forms, such as calls for tender, directdecisionsbasedonstatistics,jointagreementsetc.

5. WhataretheinvestmentprioritiesoftheseOPs?IsanyESFOPinmycountryfocusingontheESFinvestmentpriority“integratingmarginalisedcommunitiessuchastheRoma”?

Remember thatactionsrelated to the inclusionofRomacanbeundertakenactionsundertheESF investmentpriority“integratingmarginalisedcommunitiessuchas theRoma”but

2 http://eucis-lll.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e0ba59dcb487a8983ceda27d9&id=6bd3fdf87a&e=c9da669d35

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alsotroughotherESF,ERDFandEARDFinvestmentpriorities.

6. Ifso,whoisimplementingthisinvestmentpriorityandhow?

Asyouknow,oneinvestmentprioritycanbeimplementedinoneorseveralOPsandcanbesupportedbyoneorseveralfunds.

8. Who else is implementing ESI co‐funded integration programmes in my country? (e.g.othermunicipalitiesorregions;)WhatcanIlearnfromtheirexperience?

In your country, you will most likely find cities and villages that benefited from theStructuralFundsintheperiod2007‐2013.

9. To what extend could Technical Assistance support local authorities in accessingStructuralandInvestmentFunds?

Funds forTechnicalAssistanceareusuallyallocated to theadministrativemanagementofESIFunds;however,itcanalsobealsoallocatedtomakingdiagnostics,providingcapacitybuildingforstaff,assistanceinthepreparationofprojectsetc.

10. How will the money available for fostering administrative capacity be invested in mycountry?

Remember thatunder theESF, there isone investmentpriority(Enhancingadministrativecapacity and supporting public administration)which can provide support to your localadministrationandtothestakeholdersoperatingatthelocallevel.ThissupportcanbeusedforimprovingcapacitiesinworkwithRoma.

Additionally,thefollowingcontactsatEClevelcanprovideyouwiththefurtherinformationonthedifferentOPsbeingimplementedinyourcountry:

ECDeskOfficersresponsibleforyourcountryat:

TheDirectorate‐GeneralforRegionalPolicy(DGREGIO):http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.branch?pLang=EN&pId=1819&pDisplayAll=1

TheDirectorate‐GeneralforEmployment,SocialAffairs&Inclusion(DGEMPL)http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.branch?pLang=EN&pId=473&pDisplayAll=1

Step3 Exploreallco‐financingpossibilities

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Findingthenecessaryco‐fundingremainsoneofthebiggestchallengesforaccessingESIFunds– especially for local administrations. However, the often strict co‐funding requirementsshouldnotkeeplocaladministrationsfromexploringalltheirco‐financingpossibilities:

Incaseofintegratedactions(e.g.rehousingactivities),alwaysconsiderthepossibilityofcombiningERDFandESFfundingforboth‘hard’and‘soft’investments.

Municipalities should always explore the possibility of applying for co‐funding fromtheir centraland regionalgovernment sources. Thesemay include national fundsthat could finance both targeted projects (e.g. funds available for the NRIS or theNationalRomaPlans)aswellasmainstreamservices(e.g.fundsavailableforthefieldsofeducation,employment,housing,etc.).

ESI funding provides the opportunity of an enormous financial “boost” for localadministrations.Itisthereforehighlyrecommendableforeachmunicipalitytoallocatesome of its own resources to co‐fund interventions aimed at fostering socialinclusion and reducing inequalities. Depending on the region (less developed,transitional, more developed), somemunicipalities are eligible tomultiply their ownresourcesthroughESIFundsbyupto5timestheamountoftheirinitialinvestment(e.g.lessdevelopedregions:co‐fundinglevel20%).

Forsomeoperations,theremaybeanactiveparticipationofprivateprofitandnon‐profit institutions; in this case thesedonors couldprovidepart of thenecessary co‐funding(e.g.NGOsmanagingEUFundswiththeeconomicsupportofprivatedonors).

Itisrecommendedformunicipalitiestoexplorethebroaddiversityofotherpublicandprivate sources – especially in the project design phase. Some examples ofinternationaldonororganisationsknownto(co‐)financeRomainclusioninitiativesareWorldBank,HabitatforHumanity,OpenSocietyFoundationetc.

Step4 Getconnected&learnfromothers

SharingexperiencesonRoma integrationprojects is not only recommendable at national orregionallevel,butevenmoresoinaEuropeancontext.Thereareavastvarietyofplatformsandnetworks,whoseaimistopromotemutuallearningonRomainclusion(amongotherissues) between European cities and regions. The following networks can provide youwithpracticalhands‐onexperiencefromothercities,municipalitiesandregionsacrossEurope:

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OverviewofplatformsandnetworksforlocalauthoritiesengagedinRomainclusionpolicies

EURoma

EURoma is a European Network made up of representatives of twelve Member States(Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania,Spain,SlovakiaandSweden),determinedtopromote theuseofStructuralFunds toenhancetheeffectivenessofpoliciestargetingRomapeopleandtopromotetheirsocialinclusion.

TheprimaryaimsofEURomaarethesharingofstrategies,initiativesandapproaches,learningbased on experience and best practices, and the dissemination and standardisation of suchknowledge.

Inlinewiththeseobjectives,twoworkinglinesareundertaken:

Transmission and exchange of information, through internal and externalcommunicationchannels.

Mutual learning: sharing of approaches and strategies, identification and transfer ofexperiences, creation of a forum for the organisation and management of projects,developmentofcommonandtransversalproducts.

•Mutuallearning:goodpracticesfromdifferentcountries•AdviceonusingStructuralFundsforRomaInclusion

EURoma

•Capacitybuildingformunicipalitiesandregions.•LobbyingtoolformunicipalitiesatEUlevel.

CommitteoftheRegions

•Exchangeofknow‐howandgoodpracticesonRomainclusionamongEuropeancities.

EuropeanAlliance

•Supportinprojectdevelopment,financialandhumancapacitybuilding,andadvocacy.•AssitanceforaccessingEUFundsforRomaInclusion.

MakingtheMost

•ConnectsMayorsofEuropeancitiestoshareexperiences.•SupportslocalauthoritiestoattrachtEUFundstolocallevel.

MERI

•TaskforceonRomaInclusion•TaskforceonESF

Eurocities

•StrengthentheroleofmunicipalitiesintheimplementationoftheNationalRomaStrategiesatlocallevel

ROMACT

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Therearetworepresentativesineachofthepartnercountries:

TherespectiveESFManagingAuthority ThebodyoftheMemberStateresponsible forpoliciestargetingtheRomacommunity

orthebodytowhichitdelegatesitsauthority.

Besides these official representatives from each country, EURoma is seeingmore andmoreparticipation fromavarietyofother stakeholders, suchasERDFManagingAuthorities, localand regional authorities, NGOs as well as international organisations and other countriesinterestedinitsactivities.

On itswebsite thenetwork offers general information onprojects, goodpractice, legal textsandotherresourcesregardingtheRomaandStructuralFunds.

ESFLearningNetwork:ReinforcingpolicylearningforRomainclusion(EURomaplus)

The ESF LearningNetwork “Reinforcing policy learning for Roma inclusion”, also known asEURomaplusNetwork,waslaunchedinMay2013withtheaimofreinforcingtheworkdonebyEURoma.ThenewnetworkaimstoincreasetheimpactandeffectivenessoftheStructuralFunds for Roma inclusion through transnational cooperation by achieving a higher politicalcommitmentfortheplanningprocessofthe2014‐2020programmingperiodandensuringthatthelessonslearntfromthepreviousprogrammingperiodareincorporatedaspolicydecisionsinthecurrentone.ThenetworkisledbytheSpanishESFManagingAuthorityandgathersESFManaging Authorities and National Roma Contact Points from 8 Member States (Bulgaria,Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovak Republic and Spain) together withEuropeanCommissionrepresentatives.

UnderEURomaplusthefollowingactivitiesarebeingconducted:

Basedontheinformationfromeightcountries,ananalysishasbeenproducedonhowStructuralFundswereimplementedwiththeaimofpromotingRomainclusionduringtheprogramingperiod2007‐2013; furthermore, thisdocumentprovidesanoverviewabouttheMemberStates’planstouseStructuralFundsforpromotingRomaincludinginthenextperiod2014‐2020.

Twothematicseminarsfocusingonspecificissueswillbeheld. Twomeetingswithparticipantsfromthepolicylevelinordertoexchangeandcompare

thesituations ineachcountry, foster commitmentandcompare theprogress thathasbeenmadeforthefutureprogramingperiod.

EURoma:http://www.euromanet.eu/about/index.html

TheCommitteeoftheRegionsandtheEurope2020MonitoringPlatform

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the main European body bringing together EUregionsandmunicipalities;itcurrentlyhas353members.ItisaformalEUinstitutionandhasanimportantconsultativerole,regularlypresentingitsviewsoncohesionpolicy.ItisthemaininterlocutoroftheECregardingcohesionpolicyissuesandisindirect(adhoc)contactwithregionaland local representatives, including through the Representations in theMemberStates. The CoR provides important mutual support and lobbying mechanisms formunicipalities.

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Furthermore, the CoR runs theEurope2020MonitoringPlatform – a group of over 160cities and regions from the 28 EU Member States, which monitors how Europe 2020 isimplemented on the ground, promoting the exchange of good practices. The platform alsoprovidesapowerfultoolforcapacitybuildingofmunicipalitiesandregionsasitoffersspecificsupport on thematic issues, such as working groups and the promotion of exchanges onspecifictopics,includingRomainclusion.

CommitteeoftheRegions:http://cor.europa.eu/en/ Europe2020MonitoringPlatform:https://portal.cor.europa.eu/europe2020/

TheEuropeanAllianceofCitiesandRegionsforRomaInclusion

TheEuropeanAllianceofCitiesandRegionsforRomaInclusionwassetupinMarch2013bytheCouncilofEurope'sCongressofLocalandRegionalAuthoritieswiththesupportofSpecialRepresentative of the Secretary General for Roma Issues. More than 120 cities and regionsfromover27countriesareparticipatingintheAlliance.

The Alliance aims topromote the exchangeofknow‐how and goodpracticesonRomainclusion among participating cities and regions, and to enable participating cities andregionstospeakwithonevoicebyprovidingaplatformforadvocatingonissuesconcerningRomainclusionatlocalandregionallevel.

TheEuropeanAllianceofCitiesandRegionsforRomaInclusion:http://www.roma‐alliance.org/

ROMACT

In September 2013, the Council of Europe and the EC launched a new programme calledROMACT.Currently,itincludescitiesandmunicipalitiesfrom5countries(Bulgaria,Hungary,Romania,Slovakia,Italy).Thenewprogrammeaimstostrengthentheroleofmunicipalitiesinthe implementation of the National Roma Strategies at local level by promoting local RomainclusionprojectsandprovidingsupportforaccessingESIFunds.

ROMACThttp://coe‐romact.org/

MakingtheMostofEUFundsforRoma

MakingtheMostofEUFundsforRoma(MtM)isaprogrammeoftheOpenSocietyFoundations(OSF)whichsupportsnational,andlocalgovernmentsinrealisingthetargetsoftheDecadeofRoma Inclusion2005‐2015 – anetworkofEuropeangovernments (Central, South‐eastern,EasternEuropeandSpain),intergovernmentalandnongovernmentalorganizations,aswellasRoma civil society that aims to eliminate discrimination against Roma and close theunacceptablegapsbetweenRomaandtherestofsociety;twelvecountriesarecurrentlytakingpartinthedecade.

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MtMoffersprojectdevelopmentassistance, financialandhumancapacitybuilding,andadvocacyandseekstocreateacriticalmassofconcernedgovernmentalactorsatalllevelstokeepRomainclusionhighonthepolicyagenda.MtMisconcernedwithproblemssuchastheweakvisibilityofRoma issues in the implementationofEUcohesionpoliciesat thenationaland local levels; resource and expertise disadvantages; and overly bureaucratic fundingprocedures,whichblockaccessofthemostdeprivedtorightsandopportunities.

ToolsoftheMtMprogramme include theProjectGeneratingFacility (projectdevelopmentassistance, training, and advocacy at the local level), theMentoring Intervention (promotingparticipation of Roma in local partnerships), the Non‐Eligible Costs/Supplementary funds(supplementary funding), the Capacity Building Programme. Furthermore, MtM providespolicy analysis and advocacy services aimed at drawing policy level conclusions andrecommendationsfromfieldlevelexperiencesgatheredthroughprojectgenerationservices.

MakingtheMostofEUFundsforRoma:http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/about/programs/making‐most‐eu‐funds‐roma

DecadeofRomaInclusion2005‐2015:http://www.romadecade.org/

TheEuropeannetworkMayorsMakingtheMost(MERI)In2012, theMaking theMostofEUFunds forRomaprogramme(seeabove), incooperationwiththeEuropeanCommission,launchedanewinitiativetoestablishaEuropeannetworkoflocal authoritieswhichhave implemented–orplan to implement–programmessupportingintegrationofvulnerablegroupswithafocusonRoma.ThenetworkcalledMayorsMakingtheMost of EU Funds for Roma Inclusion Network (MERI) promotes the inclusion andintegrationofRoma at local levels throughbestpractice‐sharing and learning acrossEuropean countries, and brings to the forefront local level results and achievements. Inaddition,throughbuildingcapacitiesatlocallevel,theMERInetworkplanstoattractmoreEUfunds to the local level. The network aims at creating a space for local authorities toexchange on their Roma inclusion programmes, to promote a learning venue and avisibilityplatformformunicipalitieswhichultimatelyimplementnationalstrategiesforRomaintegration.

TheMERInetwork isopentoallEuropeanmunicipalitieswhichpursueRomainclusion.Its purpose is to create a Europe‐wide platform where possibilities for cooperation, jointprogrammes,twinningsandexchangesforsolvingchallengingissueswillbeoffered.Currently,municipalitiesfrom15countriesstretchingfromtheBalticregion,South‐eastern,EasternandCentralEuropetotheSouthCaucasusareparticipatinginMERI.

MERI:http://www.logincee.org/

Eurocities

Eurocities is theEuropeanAssociationofMetropolitanCities (populations over 250,000)andhasmorethan135membersin35countries.Eurocitiesplaysanimportantroleinbringing

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togetherregionalandmetropolitanauthoritiesandpromotingtheirinvolvementintheworkoftheEU,includingcohesion,regionalandsocialpolicy.

Eurocities established two working groups for participating cities which are of particularrelevanceformakingthebestuseofEUfundingforRomainclusion:

The Roma inclusion task force is committed to fighting discrimination andexploitationand to fosterRoma inclusion throughexchanginggoodpracticeonRomainclusion;raisingawarenessofthecityperspectiveonEUmobilityandRomainclusionwithinEUinstitutionsandtheNationalRomaContactPoints; influencingEUpolicyonnon‐discrimination and management of intra‐EU migration; building East‐WestcooperationonRomainclusionincooperationwithOpenSocietyFoundations;securingfunding for cities to improve their policies on Roma inclusion; and addressing theexploitativedimensionofRomaexclusion.

TheESF task force focusesonmaking sure that the roleof cities inEuropeanSocialFundisbothsustainedandenhancedintheproposedprogrammefor2014‐2020.ThetaskforceconcentratesonfollowingthenegotiationsonthefinalshapeoftheESIFundsRegulations,especiallytheESF;collectingdatafromcitiesontheinvolvementofcitiesintheprogrammingofOPs;exchangingexperiencesonthelobbyingstrategiesofcitiesatnationallevel;andcoordinatingactivitieswithoncohesionpolicy,especiallyrelatingtothecohesionpolicypackageandtheprogramminganddevelopmentofPAs.

Eurocities:http://www.eurocities.eu/ Romainclusiontaskforce:

http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/activities/working_groups/Roma‐inclusion‐task‐force&tpl=home

ESFtaskforce:http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/activities/working_groups/ESF‐task‐force‐&tpl=home

Step5 Establishpartnershipsandfostercooperation

Successful Roma inclusion projects at local level require partnerships and cooperation at 4levels:

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The4dimensionsofpartnership

Verticalcooperationbetweenthecentrallevel(Government)andthelocallevel:Inorder

toputNRISintopractice,itisveryimportanttoalignlocalpolicieswithnationalstrategies.Thisrequirescooperationfrombothsides.

How to foster vertical cooperation: The central government and its respectiveministries and departments responsible for the implementation of the NRIS shouldprovide local authoritieswith the necessary advice and support to take action. Localauthoritiesshouldstrengthentheirrelationshipwiththerespectivecentralgovernmentauthorities by actively demonstrating their plans and activities to promote Romainclusion–ESFandERDFManagementAuthoritiesarethekeycontactpointsatcentrallevel.

Horizontal cooperation between different departments at local level: Roma needs andproblems always concern the responsibilities of a variety of departments (e.g. housing,employment, education,healthetc.) and it is therefore important that thesedepartmentsworktogetherandaddresstheseproblemsthroughintegratedapproaches.

How to develop horizontal cooperation: It is important for each department torememberthatRomaneedsandproblemshavemultipledimensionsandthereforehavetobeaddressedinsuchmanner:ahousingproblemcannotbesolvedbye.g.rehousingactivitiesalone,difficultiesinaccessingthelabourmarketcannotbeaddressedbye.g.employment activities alone etc. AchievingRoma inclusion requires a set of commonobjectives to which all departments are committed. These common objectives couldthenbespecified foreachareaofresponsibility. It isrecommendable thatoneor twodepartments lead Roma inclusion activities and therefore, having the consensus andcommitment from all departments is essential. Drawing up a local Roma InclusionActionPlancould,forexample,strengthenthiscommitment.

Cooperationwith civil society: when planning projects aiming at Roma inclusion, it isessentialtoinvolvecivilsociety,especiallyRomaorganisations,intheentireprojectphase.

Verticalcooperation

Horizontalcooperation

Cooperationwithcivilsociety

Cooperationwithotheractors

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Howtoengagecivilsocietyandpromoteparticipation:Civil societyorganisations,especially Roma organisations, are the key to a successful implementation of Romainclusion policies. When planning interventions related to Roma inclusion, localauthoritiesshouldmakesuretoconsultallrelevantcivilsocietyorganisationsfromtheplanning phase onwards (e.g. ask for their experience on the ground, invite them toplanningsessionsetc.).Civilsocietyorganisationscanalsoserveaskey implementingpartnersofactivitiesrelatedtoRomainclusion,astheyaretheoneswhoareindirectcontactnotonlywithRomabutalsowithallinhabitantsofavillage/municipality/city.CivilsocietyorganisationscanalsoplayanimportantroleinmonitoringRomainclusionplans – it is therefore recommended to also invite them to participate inMonitoringCommittees. Furthermore, it is of crucial importance to identify and involve Romaleaders or organisations that best represent the voices of the local Roma populationfromtheconsultationprocessonwards;thesecouldinclude(elected)representativesofthelocalRomapopulationwhocouldhavethecapacitytoengagewiththeRoma.

Cooperationwithotheractors: itishighlyrecommendabletoformfurtherpartnershipswith research institutions (e.g. impact assessment) or private companies (especially foremploymentprojects)thatsupportthepromotionofRomainclusion.

How to involve other actors: An impact assessment of either previous or plannedinterventions provides the possibility of readjusting and fine‐tuning any future plansrelated toRoma inclusionand thereforeguarantees theachievementof itsobjectives.Independent(local)researchinstitutionscanserveasexcellentpartnersforprovidingsuchanobjectiveevaluationofmulti‐dimensionalimpacts.Itisthereforerecommendedfor local authorities to commission such studies of previous/plannedRoma inclusionprojects.Universitydepartments in the fieldsof sociology,urban&regionalplanning,economics, social work/social services, medicine and others can offer valuableknowledge and experience to conduct this type of research. With regards toemployment and labour insertion projects, the cooperation with (local) privatecompaniesisthekeytosuccess.Localauthoritiesshouldconvincecompaniesabouttheimportance of Roma inclusion and the role of employment in this process. LocalauthoritiescouldreachagreementswithcompaniesthatprovideincentivestopromotetrainingandemploymentofRoma.LocalauthoritiesmayalsointroduceSocialClausesin the public procurements; for example, they could include award criteria in theirevaluation systemswhich favours companies that provide public services and at thesametimefacilitateemploymenttoexcludedgroups,suchastheRoma.

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5. PotentialoptionsforlocalauthoritiestoaccessEuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFundsasatooltopromoteRomainclusion

5.1. Four models to access Structural and Investment Funds at local level Asdescribedinchapter3.4,therearedifferentpotentialsituationsforapplyingESIFundsasfinancialtoolforpromotingRomainclusion.Thefollowingfourmodelsrepresentexamplesofhow local authorities could access ESI funding for their Roma inclusion programmes. Somemechanismsareapplied inallcountries,othersdonot.Nevertheless, itshouldbementionedthatthemainaccesstoESIFundsremainsstandardcalls.

5.1.1. Community‐led local development (CLLD) initiatives 

Whatisit?Community‐ledlocaldevelopment(CLLD)isamethodforinvolvinglocalstakeholders,especiallycivilsociety and local economic actors, in a local project. It focuses on the design and implementation ofintegratedlocalstrategiestohelpruralareastotransitiontoamoresustainablefuture.Thismaybeaparticularlyappropriatetoolintimesofcrisis,whichallowslocalcommunitiestodemonstratethattheycan take concrete steps towards formsof economicdevelopment that are smarter,more sustainableandmoreinclusive,inlinewiththeEurope2020strategy.OperationalProgrammesof thenewprogrammingperiod2014‐2020mayprovide for theuseof thismechanism incertaincases:especiallycityneighbourhoods for theESFandrural for theEAFRD.FormoredetailsontheaimsandrequirementsforCLLDinitiatives,pleaseseetheESIFundsRegulations.

Whentouseit?Thismodel is ideal for implementing local actions that promote Roma inclusion under national andregional ESF programmes. ESF funds can be supplemented by other funds (e.g. ERDF, EAFRD). Thepopulationsizeoflocal/regionalauthoritiesforthesetypesofinitiativesshouldnotbelessthan10,000andnotmorethan150,000.

Whichactionscanbesupported?In linewith theESF investmentprioritiesandwithinthecontextof thisguide,CLLDactivitiesshouldpromotetheintegrationofmarginalisedcommunities,suchastheRoma.Furthermore,activitiesrelatedtothefollowingESFpriorityareascanandshouldcomplementthisintegrationprocess:

Accesstoemployment

Sustainableintegrationofyouth

(esp.NEET)

Reducingearly‐schoolleaving

Promotionofequalitybetweenwomenandmen

Socio‐labourintegrationof

peoplefurthestfromthelabourmarket

Fightingdiscrimination

Promotingthesocialeconomyandsocialentrepreneurship

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CLLDprojectsalsosupportedbyERDFfundingcanincludeactivitiesrelatedto: Investinginhealthandsocialinfrastructuretoimproveaccesstohealthandsocialservices Supportforphysical&economicregenerationofdeprivedurban&ruralcommunities

CLLDalsosupportedbyEAFRDfundingcouldtackledisadvantagedmicro‐regionswheremanyRomaruralsettlementsarelocated.

EuropeanCommissionbrochureforthistypeofinitiative:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/community_en.pdf

GuidanceonCommunity‐LedLocalDevelopmentforLocalActors:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_clld_local_actors.pdf

GuidanceonCommunity‐ledLocalDevelopmentinESIFundshttp://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/informat/2014/guidance_community_local_development.pdf

ESIFundsRegulations(CLLD:ChapterII,Article32and33):http://new.eur‐lex.europa.eu/legal‐content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013R1303&from=EN

5.1.2. Sustainable urban development 

Whatisit?Under the ERDF, there are specific provisions for sustainable urban development. The ERDFRegulations state that the fund supports, within operational programmes, sustainable urbandevelopmentthroughstrategiesthatsetoutintegratedactionstotackletheeconomic,environmental,climate,demographicandsocialchallengesaffectingurbanareas.TheseprojectsshouldbeundertakenthroughIntegratedterritorialinvestment(seeESIFundsRegulationslinkbelow)orthroughaspecificoperational programme, or through a specific priority axis. In its PA, each Member State shouldestablishtheprinciplesfortheselectionofurbanareaswhereintegratedactionsforsustainableurbandevelopmentaretobeimplementedandanindicativeallocationforthoseactions.YourERDFManagingAuthorityshouldinformyouabouttheselectioncriteriaandallocationoffundsforyourcountry(seechapter4.2,Step2“GetInformed”).Ineachcountry,at least5%of theERDFresourcesallocated to the “Investment forgrowthand jobsgoal” should be allocated to integrated actions for sustainable urbandevelopmentwhere cities, sub‐regionalorlocalbodiesresponsibleforimplementingsustainableurbanstrategiesareresponsibleforthemanagingand/orimplementing(e.g.throughglobalgrants,seechapter5.2.4.)theseprojects.

Whentouseit?Sustainable urban development strategies are ideal for addressing the problems of Roma living inurban areas; these projects are therefore highly recommendable in situationswithRomapopulationlivinginurbanneighbourhoods(e.g.seeSituation1&2,chapter3.2.).Sustainableurbandevelopmentstrategies are based on a territorial approach and they can cover specific areas includingneighbourhoodsorareaswereRomaareliving.Theymustbeinclusiveandaddresstheproblemsandneedsofallinhabitantsoftheareabytakingintoaccounttheneedsofmarginalisedcommunities,suchastheRoma.Previous experiences from ERDF‐funded projects (e.g. URBAN, URBACT) demonstrate the positiveeffects of sustainable urban development projects. Respective websites also provide substantiveinformation,toolsandlessonslearntfromdifferentexperiencesaddressingRomaintegrationinurban

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areas(seelinksbelow).

Whichactionscanbesupported?Withinthecontextofthisguide,sustainableurbandevelopmentstrategiesshouldtheaddresstheERDFinvestment priority “promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any discrimination”. ThesestrategiescouldbecomplementedwithanyofthefollowingERDFinvestmentpriorities:

URBANII:http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/employment_and_social_policy/social_inclusion_fight_against_poverty/g24209_en.htm

ROMA‐Net(URBACTproject2009‐2013):http://urbact.eu/en/projects/active‐inclusion/roma‐net/homepage/

UrbanDevelopmentintheEU:50projectssupportedbytheERDFduringthe2007‐2013period:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/studies/pdf/50_projects/urban_dev_erdf50.pdf

ESIFundsRegulations(Integratedterritorialinvestment:ChapterIII,Article36):http://new.eur‐lex.europa.eu/legal‐content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013R1303&from=EN

5.1.3. Integrated Rehousing Operations 

Whatisit?Integrated rehousing operations are interventions that combine rehousing activities with furtheractions (e.g. in the fields of education, health, employment) that facilitate the inclusion of sociallyexcludedcommunities.Thistypeofoperationishighlyrecommendableforrehousinginterventionsofmarginalised communities as its integrated approach is the key to reducing or limiting the risk ofsegregation.UndertheThematicObjective9,theERDFregulationincludesaninvestmentprioritythatfocuses on promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any discrimination; this includes theprovisionofsupportforphysical,economicandsocialregenerationofdeprivedcommunitiesinurbanandruralareas.

Whentouseit?When planning rehousing activities for marginalised Roma and/or non‐Roma communities, anintegratedapproachistheidealwaytoreducesegregationofthesecommunitiesandpavesthewaytofullinclusionintosociety.ThismodelishighlyrecommendableforsituationswithRomacommunitieslivinginsegregatedurbanandsuburbanneighbourhoods(seeSituation2,chapter3.2.)

Whichactionscanbesupported?Applyingan integratedapproachisarequirementforreceivingERDFfundingforrehousingactivitiestargetingmarginalisedcommunities.Whendeveloping this typeofoperationanykindof segregation

Promotingsustainabletransportandremoving

bottlenecksinkeynetworkinfrastructures

Promotingsustainableandqualityemploymentandsupportinglabourmobility

Investingineducation,trainingandvocationaltrainingforskillsandlifelonglearningby

developingeducationandtraininginfrastructure

Enhancinginstitutionalcapacityofpublicauthoritiesand

stakeholdersandefficientpublicadministration

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should be avoided. It is recommended to combine rehousing interventionswith actions that furtherpromotetheinclusionofmarginalisedcommunitiesinthefollowingfields:

Remember that ERDF funding can be complemented with ESF funding for the “integration ofmarginalisedcommunities” (seechapter3.3.3.).These two fundsare therefore the ideal combinationforIntegratedRehousingOperations.

2examplesfromSpain:

Thematicreportondispersalprogram.RehousingandsocialintegrationprograminMadrid:http://urbact.eu/fileadmin/Projects/Roma_Net/outputs_media/Thematic_report_rehousing__LC2_Almeria.pdf

IntegrationhelpsRomabecomefullmembersofEuropeansociety(Avilés):http://europa.eu/ey2012/BlobServlet?docId=737&langId=en

 

Education Health Socialaffairs Employment&security

Desegregationmeasures

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5.1.4. Global Grants 

Whatisit?Global Grants are mechanism in which a Member State or Managing Authority may entrust themanagementandimplementationofapartofanOPtooneormoreintermediatebodies,includinglocalauthorities, regional development bodies or non‐governmental organisations. This passing on ofmanagementresponsibilitiesallowstobetterreachtargetgroups,whichcouldbeRomapopulation.Whenapplyingthismechanism,theintermediarybodytakingoverresponsibilityofthemanagementofthe funds has to bear inmind the technical and reporting capacities needed tomanage these funds.Havingsaidthis,GlobalGrantsbringcertainadvantages:

Funding is passed directly to the intermediary body for management, allocation anddistribution;

Theintermediarybodyisfreetodesignitsownrulesforoperationandadministration; Flexibleeasy‐to‐useapplicationsystems,100%up‐frontfunding.

Whentouseit?This mechanism is usually used for the implementation of small programmes at local level. Localauthorities considering applying this option for Roma inclusion activities should have a fullunderstandingoftheOPsbeingimplementedintheircountry(seechapter4.2,Step2“GetInformed”)in order to guarantee that their plans are in accordance with the respective OP’s objectives.Furthermore, according to the regulations, the intermediate body shall provide guarantees of itssolvencyandcompetenceinthedomainconcernedtoundertaketheplannedactivities.GlobalGrantschemesprovidethepossibilityforconsortiums(e.g.agroupoflocalauthorities)toactasone intermediary body. This option is especially recommended for small local authoritieswith littletechnicalcapacity.

Whichactionscanbesupported?Actions supported under Global Grants have to be in line with the objectives of the OP beingimplementedineachcountry.Globalgrantscaninclude,amongothers:

GlobalGrants:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/vm20002006/chap4_en.htm

GlobalGrantforBetterImplementationofEuropeanProgrammes(EuropeanTrainingCentreParis):http://www.etcp.fr/component/content/article/90

Smallgrantsforthecapacitybuildingofcivil

societyandRomaorganisations

Dedicatedamountsofmoneyforthespecificactionsintheareasofeducation,employment,socialinterventions,healthcare,etc.

Grantsallocatedtoseveralpartners(e.g.alocaladministration

togetherwithaNGOfortheimplementationofspecificprojects).

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5.2. Examples of local and regional authorities using Structural and Investment Funds for Roma inclusion  

ExamplesoflocalandregionalauthoritiesusingtheESFforRomainclusion

Jyväskylä, Finland, where the city authorities employs social mediators to work with the Romacommunity for employment support, home‐school liaison and to accompany individuals in theirdealingswithwelfareandlabourmarketoffices;

CountyLouthVocationalEducationCommittee,Ireland,whichobtainedESFfundingforaneducationprogrammefor IrishTravellers:numeracyand literary instruction, trainingallowances,educationalmaterialsforslowlearners,childcareprovisionfortrainees,classesoff‐siteandinterculturaltrainingforeducationstaff;

Letanovce local authority, Slovakia, received support under the ESF for social and communityworkers for classic socialworksupport, interventionsandcounselling tohelp familiesat riskor incrisissituations;thepromotionofleisuretimeactivitiesforyoungpeople;developmentofaclothingbank and food bank; promotion of school attendance; preventative medical examinations andvaccination; improved cooperation and relationships with the police and assistance with workplacements;

The ESF can be used to develop the Roma economy. The commune authority of Francesti, Valcea,Romania is using the operational programme Human resource development, priority axis 6,Promotingsocialinclusion, intervention6.1Developmentofthesocialeconomy to create23 jobs in asocialeconomyenterprise,developadaycarecentrefor30childrenandprovideprofessionaltrainingforincomegeneration;

InItaly, theESFhasprovided€936,000tothe localauthorities fortrainingcoursesto improvetheskillsofsocialworkersinhealthandsocialcare.€220,000havebeenallocatedtoBolzanoandEmiliaRomagnaforsocialcooperatives,vocationalguidance,certificationandpersonalpathways.Laziowasprovidedwith€360,000forplacementsinhealthcareandretailsales;

Most,intheCzechRepublic,hadbeenusingtheESFsince2005whenthelocalauthorityappointedacoordinatorandclubfornationalminorities.UndertheoperationalprogrammeHumanresourcesandemployment theprojectPreventionofsocialexclusionintheRomanylocalitieswasgranted€185,000toprovideeducation(schoolattendance,helpwithhomework,motorskillsdevelopment,ComputerABC, joint activities with parents), social counselling (e.g. anti‐debt, family difficulties, conflict atwork), labour market training (CVs, forms and work placement), accompanied by a system ofindicatorsandmonitoring(e.g.numberofparticipants).

ExamplesoflocalandregionalauthoritiesusingtheERDFforRomainclusion

North Great Plain, Hungary, where Nyiregyhaza local authority obtained €1.57m ERDF fundingdividedbetweeninfrastructureandcommunitydevelopmentfordesegregationandintegratedurbandevelopment(housingimprovements,kindergarten,roads,playgrounds);

InLimassol,Cyprus,thecapital,ERDFfundsareusedatmunicipallevelinthoseareaswhereRomapeople live for the improvement of roads,water, street lighting, pedestrian crossing, tree planting,bicycle lanes, playgrounds, the prevention of early school leaving, Greek language training (RomapeoplegenerallyspeakTurkish);

Education in Hrabusice, Oslany, Slovakia, for school‐building, renovation, modernisation,accompaniedbyafter‐schoolactivities;

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Re‐development of municipal cultural centre, Galanta, Slovakiaas a focus for cultural and socialevents(Romafest,art,theatre,lectures,debates,exhibitions,youthclubandconcerts);

SouthernFinland over 2009‐2012where a €34,000 project of the City of Helsinki Social ServicesDepartments and a local college provide help for Roma people to complete primary school, reachvocationalandhighschools,getinternships,findjobsaswellashelpyoungRomafamiliestocombinefamilylifeandcontinuetostudy.

ThelocalauthorityofOstrava,CzechRepublic,used€238,000toreconstructtechnicallydevastatedbut occupied apartment house in socially excluded area. The investment included a completetechnicalrenovationof interiorareas,constructionofnewhousingunits,oldwindowsreplacementandrevitalizationofanouterplasterwithrespecttoenergysavingsandotherenvironmentalaspects.

ExamplesoflocalandregionalauthoritiescombiningESFandERDFfunding

SouthGreatplain,Hungary,wherethelocalauthorityofHodmezovaraselycombinedESFandERDFfundingtodevelopanintegratedkindergartenandschoolforRomaandotherchildren;

Emilia Romagna, Italy, where the €1.9m ERDF and ESF Pathways forSintiandRoma programmestartswith outreachworkers visiting camps and leads on to job‐centre guidance, aptitude test, CVdevelopment,job‐seekingskillsandaprogrammeforinter‐personalskills.

Local charity organization in Cheb, CzechRepublic, used ERDF (€650,000) and ESF (€755,000)fundingtoreconstructandequiptheSocialServicesCentre.Itprovidescomplexofservicessuchasshelter, social rehabilitation, social councelling and educational activities to prevent and combatsocialexclusion.

Local authority of Orlová,CzechRepublic, used ERDF (€280,000) and ESF (€330,000) funding todevelopCommunityCentre. Itprovidessocialservicesforchildren,youthandtheirparentssuchassocialcouncelling,socialactivationservicesforfamilieswithchildrenandleisuretimeactivities.

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RelevantwebsitesEU,DGJustice:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/EU,DGJusticeandRoma:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/roma/index_en.htmECInteractivemapoflocalauthoritiesstrivingtoincludetheirRomapopulations:http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=1860&furtherNews=yesEUFRA:http://fra.europa.eu/en/theme/romaEURomanetwork:http://www.euromanet.eu/about/index.htmlEurope2020website:http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htmEuropeDirect:http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_en.htmEuropeanSocialFundandtheRoma:http://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=63&langId=enEUCohesionPolicy2014‐2020:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/what/future/index_en.cfmNationalRomaIntegrationStrategies:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/roma/national‐strategies/index_en.htmESIFundsRegulations(17December2013):http://new.eur‐lex.europa.eu/legal‐content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32013R1303&from=EN

Contactsforyourcountry:ESFManagingAuthorityinyourcountry:http://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=524&langId=enERDFManagingAuthorityinyourcountry:http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/manage/authority/authority_en.cfm

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ECDeskOfficersresponsibleforyourcountryat:DGREGIO:http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.branch?pLang=EN&pId=1819&pDisplayAll=1DGEMPL:http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.branch?pLang=EN&pId=473&pDisplayAll=1

Abbreviationsandacronyms

AGS AnnualGrowthSurvey

CLLD Community‐ledlocaldevelopment

CoR CommitteeoftheRegions

CSR CountrySpecificRecommendations

DGEMPL Directorate‐GeneralforEmployment,SocialAffairs&Inclusion

DGREGIO Directorate‐GeneralforRegionalPolicy(EuropeanCommission)

EAFRD EuropeanAgriculturalFundforRuralDevelopment

EC EuropeanCommission

EMFF EuropeanMaritimeandFisheriesFund

ERDF EuropeanRegionalDevelopmentFund

ESF EuropeanSocialFund

ESIF EuropeanStructuralandInvestmentFunds

EU EuropeanUnion

LEADER LiaisonEntreActionsdeDéveloppementdel'ÉconomieRurale

MERI EuropeanNetworkMayorsMakingtheMost

MtM MakingtheMostofEUFundsforRoma

NRIS NationalRomaIntegrationStrategies

NRP NationalReformProgrammes

OP OperationalProgramme

PA PartnershipAgreement