The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence to inform its upcoming third report on the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks. As a key milestone within the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation 2020–2030, this initiative will assess progress made by Member States in the period 1 June 2023 – 31 March 2025.
The initiative consists of the European Commission’s next implementation report on the national Roma strategic frameworks. Prepared by DG Justice and Consumers (Unit: Non-Discrimination, Anti-racism and Roma Coordination), it is a non-legislative instrument planned for publication in Q3 2026.
This report will:
- provide a comprehensive overview of progress towards the EU-level objectives and headline targets for 2030;
- identify good practices and persistent gaps in national policies;
- assess progress using a combination of data sources, including Member State reporting, the 2024 Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) Roma survey, the Roma Civil Monitor, civil society consultations, and targeted stakeholder dialogue;
- contribute to stronger evidence-based policymaking and help guide future EU and national measures.
Despite clear commitments and EU-level legislation prohibiting discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, Roma communities across Europe continue to face significant and persistent inequalities. FRA’s latest data show:
- 46% of Roma children attend segregated schools;
- 68% of young Roma leave school before completing upper secondary education;
- only 54% of Roma are in paid work, compared to 75% of the overall EU population;
- 70% live at risk of poverty, and 37% face severe material deprivation.
These structural inequalities have profound impacts on fundamental rights, social cohesion, and economic opportunity. The Commission’s report aims to create transparent, regular monitoring, maintain political momentum, and ensure that the EU and its Member States remain on track toward the commitments set for 2030. It also supports alignment with broader EU policy frameworks and funding mechanisms, including cohesion policy and the European Semester.
The Commission has opened a 4-week Call for Evidence (until 19 December) through the Have Your Say portal. Stakeholders are invited to provide evidence of progress or remaining barriers; examples of effective measures or practices; insights on local implementation, access to rights and services, anti-discrimination measures, and meaningful participation of Roma; and feedback relevant to improving national and EU-level coordination.
The consultation is open to a broad audience, including: national authorities implementing national Roma strategic frameworks; equality bodies and the Equinet network; civil society organisations, including Roma NGOs; international organisations; research institutions, universities and experts; and Roma people.
What comes next?
In addition to the Call for Evidence, the Commission will:
- organise an implementation dialogue with Commissioner Lahbib in autumn, bringing together Member States, civil society and institutional actors;
- draw on inputs from the Roma Civil Monitor, representing over 100 NGOs across the EU;
- integrate findings from the FRA 2024 Roma survey;
- consult stakeholders through the Civil Society Consultation Group;
- reflect outcomes from the 2025 European Platform for Roma Inclusion, which reviewed the first five years of implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework.
Further information:
