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Tirana hosted ministers and partners for the 6th Ministerial Meeting on the Integration of Roma, within the framework of the Berlin Process as a commitment to combat discrimination and to improve access to essential services.
The meeting reaffirmed the Poznan Declaration, a historic agreement that commits governments to take concrete actions for the inclusion of Roma in four key areas: employment opportunities, access to education, housing conditions, and measures against discrimination.
The Albanian Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Evis Sala, welcomed the meeting as an important step towards the inclusion of Roma.
“In the last five years, with the advancement of Albania’s journey towards the European family, a noticeable improvement has been achieved regarding the Roma and Egyptian minorities in areas such as education, employment, housing, health, social protection, civil registration, and access to justice, based on the best international standards and practices,” said Sala.
The EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, emphasized the fundamental importance of the inclusion of Roma.
“Allowing Roma communities to fully participate in all aspects of society is not only a matter of justice; it is a fundamental right and an essential step towards building more diverse, equal, and inclusive societies. These values are often questioned or challenged, but they remain the principles at the heart of the EU,” said Gonzato.
The EU stands by the Roma communities in Albania and throughout the Western Balkans, making inclusion an essential part of the enlargement process.
In Albania, EU support, together with partners, has reached over 2,300 Roma and Egyptians, helping nearly 300 people to be employed or start businesses and keeping over 2,000 students in education.
The European Union delegation expressed its readiness to continue working with national and local authorities and with Roma-led organizations to turn commitments into concrete results. (October 8)