Roma Poverty & Social Inclusion
Roma people across Europe continue to face deep and persistent poverty, not by chance, but due to structural racism, antigypsyism and decades of policy failure. Despite progress on paper, millions of Roma remain excluded from housing, education, employment, and basic services.
At ERGO Network, we strive to change this by bridging the gap between community realities and European policy. We amplify Roma voices, advocate for concrete commitments from governments, and contribute to shaping policies that address the root causes of poverty.
Roma poverty is political. It is driven by antigypsyism, systemic discrimination, and policy neglect, not by individual failure. Tackling poverty means tackling antigypsyism: Social inclusion policies must address the racism and structural barriers Roma face.
Based on the grassroots evidence of ERGO Network members, we undertake advocacy around the important frameworks such as the European Semester, European Pillar of Social Rights, Child Guarantee, Youth Guarantee, and the Sustainable Development Goals
What we focus on:
social protection
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Many Roma people are excluded from social protection systems meant to provide support in times of need. Complicated procedures, a lack of information, and discrimination make it harder to access benefits such as income support, childcare, or pensions.
Employment
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Roma people face persistent discrimination in the labour market. High unemployment, informal work, and limited access to training keep many Roma in poverty. These barriers are often systemic, not individual.
Social Economy
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Jobs are hard to access, support is limited, and discrimination creates extra barriers which keep many Roma in insecure or informal work.
Health
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Roma communities continue to experience significant health inequalities. Many face discrimination when seeking care, live in unsafe environments, or lack access to basic services.
Housing
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Many Roma families live in segregated areas or substandard housing. Unsafe conditions, forced evictions, and lack of access to water or heating are everyday realities driven by antigypsyism in housing systems.
Education
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Roma children are often placed in segregated or special schools, face lower expectations, and lack support. These injustices limit opportunities and fuel a cycle of exclusion from the start of life.
Responsible staff members
For more information about ERGO Network’s work in this policy area, contact: Senior Policy Advisor Amana Ferro.
For our specific work on the Youth Guarantee, Child Guarantee and the Employment Campaign, contact Policy Officer Carmen Tanasie.
Amana Ferro
Senior Policy Advisor
Carmen Tanasie
Policy Officer