Discrimination in the EU: visible progress, but problems are widespread

Roma and Travellers in the European Union have better living conditions and opportunities than a decade ago, but remain among the most vulnerable social groups in Europe, according to the latest survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The research included over 10,000 respondents from 10 member states, including Romania, as well as from three candidate countries for accession. The report highlights a slight improvement in housing and working conditions, but also stagnation or even worsening of some forms of discrimination: 70% of Roma and Travellers live in poverty, compared to 80% in 2016, but four times more than the European average; 31% face ethnic discrimination, a similar level to that of 2016; 47% live in inadequate spaces - damp, dark or without adequate sanitation; 83% live in overcrowded housing.

Education remains a critical issue: only 32% complete upper secondary education, compared to 84% of the general population, and 46% of children attend segregated schools. On the labor market, 54% of Roma and Travellers have a paid job (compared to 43% in 2016), but well below the EU average (75%). Gender inequalities persist: 69% of men are employed, compared to only 38% of women. In the field of health, the gap remains alarming: Roma live on average 7-8 years less than the rest of the population.

• The situation in our country

Data for Romania show some improvements, but also negative trends: 68% of Roma in Romania are at risk of poverty, compared to 19% of the general population; 25% say they have been discriminated against in the previous year (up from 21% in 2016); 43% of Roma children study in segregated schools, a worrying increase from 28% in 2016.

FRA warns that at this rate, only the employment targets could be met by 2030, while key areas such as education, housing and combating discrimination are lagging behind. "We cannot accept that another generation grows up in exclusion. EU countries must do much more to combat negative attitudes and discrimination against Roma,” stressed Sirpa Rautio, FRA Director.