EURoma Network (European Network for Roma Equality under EU Funds) held its last 2025 meeting on 26 and 27 November in Turin. This meeting included a special component: the first case study on the rehousing of segregated settlements in the city of Collegno, developed within the framework of the housing thematic strand of the Network. On this occasion, representatives from regional and local authorities from EURoma partner countries were also invited to the case study.
Also, a short version of the EURoma Management Committee meeting was held during these days. The meeting was attended by partner authorities of the Network (in particular National Contact Points and public authorities in charge of ESF+ and ERDF) from 10 EU Member States, as well as representatives of the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
The EURoma Network members had the opportunity to learn about the Collegno initiative of overcoming the Roma settlement, which took place in recent years, as well as sharing their own experiences with housing initiatives in their countries. After initial welcoming words from Matteo Peradotto, President of UNAR (the National Anti-Discrimination Office in Italy), a series of sessions took place, breaking down all the relevant elements contributing to the success of the initiative. The discussions began with a general overview of the housing situation for Roma in Europe and, in particular, in Italy, provided by a representative from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), drawing on findings from the recent Roma Survey 2024. This was complemented by additional data and insights from ISTAT (the Italian National Institute for Statistics). Building on this broader context, the sessions then focused on the Collegno case, with specific discussions on the key issues that characterize this initiative. The main stakeholders involved of this case joined the EURoma meeting during both days, from the Collegno Municipality, leader of the project, to the Cooperativa San Donato, the NGO that implemented the main activities, or the Ovest Solidale Consortium, the social services that also accompanied the process. They shared and exchanged with the EURoma members and guests all the details about the creation and coordination of the partnership to launch and implement the rehousing project, the different housing solutions where the beneficiaries of the project were rehoused, and the social accompaniment to improve the employment, education or health situation of the beneficiaries. EURoma members had the opportunity during theses sessions to share their perspectives and experiences about their own countries and initiatives, generating a rich exchange. The study case was completed with an on-site visit to the area in Collegno where the settlement used to be, and the inauguration of a commemorative plaque honouring all those who once lived there. This visit also included a meaningful conversation with two former residents of the settlement, who shared their personal experiences and reflections on the process.
These sessions marked the initial step towards to a series of future case studies on rehousing under various EU/national/regional/local initiatives. They will feed future EURoma documents with recommendations for desegregation initiatives.
During the EURoma Management Committee Meeting, representatives from DG EMPL, DG REGIO and DG JUST, shared with the Network relevant updates on developments in the current programming period, on the state-of-play of the discussions in relation to future Multiannual Financial Framework post 2027, on actions related to the implementation of National Roma Strategic Frameworks and on upcoming projects about inclusivity and cities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Municipality of Collegno, Ovest Solidale Consortium, San Donato Cooperative, and UNAR for their invaluable support in preparing and hosting this meeting. Their generosity, experience with the case, and commitment were essential to ensuring the success of the event.
The EURoma Management Committee meetings, which bring together the Network partners twice a year, are one of the key instruments of the Network for the analysis and discussion of key developments linked to the policy framework and financial instruments (in particular ESF+ and ERDF) to promote Roma equality and inclusion as well as for exchange and mutual learning among the Network partners.
EURoma meetings are financially supported by the European Centre of Competence for Social Innovation.
