Although the Presidency’s program does not specifically mention Roma people, the various Council formations will address issues related to equality and inclusion of Roma in Europe (in areas such as education, housing, children, and discrimination) and EU funds.
Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2025. Denmark will be the second presidency of the current trio, along with Poland and Cyprus, which follow a common agenda. The Danish Presidency’s program focuses on strengthening European security and competitiveness, with the aim of ensuring Europe’s autonomy vis-à-vis other external geopolitical actors. The motto of the Danish Presidency is “A strong Europe in a changing world.”
Although the program does not specifically mention Roma, the different Council configurations will address different issues related to Roma equality and inclusion and EU funds.
Topics relevant to Roma equality and inclusión:
– Skills and education: Regarding skills, the program highlights the shortage of skilled workers in many EU countries, as well as the mismatch between the skills required and the training provided. The Presidency is committed to promoting a European declaration on cooperation in vocational education and training, with the aim of highlighting the need for vocational education and training offerings that are attractive and tailored to the needs of European businesses. This declaration will succeed the Osnabrück Declaration, which expires in 2030. The Presidency will also continue to review the strategic framework for the European Education Area towards 2030.
– Housing: The Danish Presidency is committed to increasing the number of affordable homes for the European population, taking into account the instruments available at EU and Member State levels. The Danish Presidency will also propose Council conclusions on the future European Plan for Affordable Housing.
– Childhood: The program refers to the Child Guarantee, specifying that it will focus on improving the situation of children in care and providing support to children and their foster families. While it briefly mentions that the Presidency will work to improve the situation of vulnerable children, it does not specify any specific measures.
-Discrimination: If the proposal remains on the table, the Danish Presidency will seek unanimity in the Council to adopt the Directive on the implementation of the equal treatment principle. If withdrawn, the Presidency will initiate political discussions on how the EU can better strengthen its efforts to combat discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation.
Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027
Regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post-2027, the Danish Presidency will coincide with the initial stages of negotiations on the proposal for the next MFF, considered key to ensuring a competitive EU prepared to face future challenges. In this context, the Presidency will be ready to launch discussions on the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF, setting an ambitious and financially responsible course for the Council’s work. The Presidency intends to present a first draft of the negotiating framework to guide future discussions.
The Presidency is also prepared to work on new MFF-related proposals, such as the possible proposal to establish a new Competitiveness Fund within the next MFF, as announced in the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass.
Euroma will closely monitor the discussions in all these areas to ensure that equality and Roma inclusion are taken into account.
More information
- Website of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU
- Programme of the Presidency
- Trio Presidency
