17/2/2006
Expert group to promote inclusion of ethnic minorities in the EU

The first meeting of a high-level group of experts analysing the social inclusion of ethnic minorities in the EU took place this week. The group, established by the European Commission under its strategy for tackling discrimination, comprises 10 eminent personalities from business, local politics, civil society, the academic world and the media, headed by former President of the German Parliament, Rita Süssmuth. This inaugural meeting was opened by Vladimír Špidla, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

The group focussed on issues such as good practices in the integration of disadvantaged ethnic groups in the labour markets and on the promotion of pragmatic, workable concepts in this area. In its work, the group drew on a new study launched by the Commission as well as on the experiences from existing EU programs, such as the Community initiative EQUAL. It will report back before the end of 2007 with policy recommendations on how the EU can approach the problems of social and labour market exclusion for disadvantaged minorities.

Mr Špidla did emphasise the importance of this issue for social cohesion in today's EU. 'The EU’s ethnic diversity increased with its 2004 enlargement, while in 2005 violence in France’s poorer suburbs again highlighted the problem of social exclusion among communities of immigrant origin in some Member States,' he said.

Of particular concern is also the difficult situation faced by the Roma throughout Europe – in terms of employment, education, housing and other areas.

The European Commission’s framework strategy for tackling discrimination – set out in a policy communication in June 2005 – highlighted the need for special attention to positive and innovative aproaches which would overcome systemic obstacles faced by disadvantaged ethnic minorities and called for the establishment of the high level group.

A further part of the strategy was to designate 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All'.

For further information on the European Commission's framework strategy for tackling discrimination, please consult the following web address:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/ey07/com07_en.pdf