Асоциация Интегро

Why Social Inclusion of Roma Must Be Rights-Based and Anti-Racist

By Liliya Makaveeva, director of Integro Association

In the context of preparing the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, it is imperative to rethink the current approach to Roma policies.

Limitations of Existing Policies

For decades, Roma policies in Bulgaria and Europe have been built around the concepts of “integration” and “social inclusion.” Despite efforts to develop and implement comprehensive strategies, results remain limited.

These policies are often perceived problematically: by Roma communities as assimilation and empty promises, and by the majority population as undeserved privilege or inefficiency. This dual distance indicates a formal approach to inclusion, focusing more on procedural compliance than on genuine commitment to change.

Social Inclusion and Its Limits

Social inclusion has value, drawing attention to access to education, healthcare, social services, housing, and employment. Yet access alone does not guarantee equality.

If schools attended by Roma children are of lower quality; if jobs are insecure and poorly paid; if neighborhoods lack infrastructure—then participation is formal under unequal conditions, not genuine inclusion.

Root Causes of the Problems

The root of the problems lies in systemic discrimination and anti-Roma attitudes, often unaddressed by public authorities. This results in unequal access to rights, services, and justice, posing a serious challenge to the rule of law.

These phenomena manifest daily: unauthorized housing due to lack of regulated plots, segregated schools with limited resources, labor market discrimination, and absence of Roma culture in public spaces.

The Need for Rights-Based, Genuine Inclusion

Inclusion only makes sense when grounded in guaranteed rights, participation on equal terms, and active measures against discrimination. It requires political planning, effective implementation, adequate resources, and Roma participation at all stages.

European Context and MFF 2028–2034

With the new MFF, the EU is introducing stricter requirements on the rule of law and fundamental rights for access to funding. Programs such as the European Social Fund, the Regional Development Fund, Erasmus+, and the European Competitiveness Fund will be managed through national and regional plans.

If Roma policies remain solely strategies without legal force or integration into national and regional priorities, their impact will be limited. They must be integrated into core planning documents with clear objectives, impact indicators, and dedicated budgets.

Conclusion

A strong and coordinated political commitment at all levels is required to ensure that the principles of equality, rights, and inclusion become a reality through concrete actions, accountability, and measurable results.

Roma are an integral part of society, yet they often live under insecurity and limited access to rights. Their social inclusion is a matter of democratic legitimacy—the responsibility for change lies with the state and society.