During the Mini-Plenary Session, the European Parliament marked International Roma Day. In her speech, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Roma people living within our Union’s borders must enjoy the same rights, the same treatment but also, the same opportunities, the same chances as any other European citizen.
Dear colleagues,
International Roma Day is a day to celebrate Romani culture, history and language and pay tribute to Europe’s largest ethnic minority. Romani people can be proud Europeans. Proud of their contribution to the rich mosaic of our European societies.
They form an integral part of our communities. But even if so, the reality is that too many Romani men and women in Europe still live in the margins of society.
It is unacceptable that discrimination and racism continue to plague our communities. For far too long, Romani people have suffered under unfounded bias and prejudice. Restricted access to education, difficulties in entering the labour market and insufficient healthcare represent just a few of the injustices Roma people face.
In our Europe, we cherish our differences, our unique traditions, our cultures and our diversity. We know that this is where our true strength lies. That means that Roma people living within our Union’s borders must enjoy the same rights, the same treatment but also, the same opportunities, the same chances as any other European citizen. Romani children should have every reason to expect the promise of Europe to deliver for them too.
In the European Parliament, we will continue to play our part in driving positive change. This remains an ongoing effort - but together I am confident that we will manage to achieve a better, more equal, more just future for us all.