ERGO Network response to the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021
While there is no explicit mention of the European Roma in this year’s Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy, ERGO Network welcomes that “people with a minority racial or ethnic background” are indicated as having been disproportionately hit by the coronavirus crisis (page 9). We further salute commitments to “address long-standing challenges that affect the fairness
in society … and rising inequalities” (page 3), and to “support those who have been hit hardest by the crisis, such as … vulnerable groups” (page 4). Other proposed measures have the potential of being positive for Roma communities, hinging on the right implementation: reducing inequalities, addressing labour market segmentation, increasing the inclusiveness of the education systems (particularly for disadvantaged groups), ensuring equal access to affordable, accessible, quality healthcare, childcare, and long term care, tackling the digital divide, reducing energy poverty, and ensuring a just and socially fair transition across green policy areas.
Download the response here