JOINT PRESS RELEASE
EU and Kosovo hand in hand in helping Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities fight poverty and discrimination
Pristina, November 5th, 2013
On Tuesday, November 5th, a seminar jointly chaired by the Government of Kosovo and by the European Union addressed the most urgent problems of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo. Similar seminars have recently taken place throughout other countries of the western Balkan region.
Participants of the seminar recognized that the situation of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities remains subject of concern, since many members are still afflicted by extreme poverty and discrimination. Both EU and Kosovo have agreed to increase budget if needed in order to prioritize the implementation of the remaining actions of the Strategy and Action Plan. Regular data analysis reporting was also required to accelerate the implementation. The participants agreed that employment opportunities and the economic empowerment of Roma Ashkali and Egyptian communities, improvement of health and social conditions, as well as their civil registration would contribute to the improvement of the situation of these communities in Kosovo.
Pierre Mirel, Director in charge of Enlargement Policy and Strategy in the EC Directorate-General for enlargement has said that "the European Union strongly encourages Kosovo institutions to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and mechanisms with the line ministries, between central and local levels and with other relevant government bodies. Very crucial is also is the cooperation with the Civil Society sector and with the Roma Ashkali and Egyptian representatives. "
Vlora Çitaku, Minister of European Integration in Kosovo Government, said: "So far we have marked a progress in the implementation of the strategy; however this progress is not sufficient. We are aware that we have to do more in integrating non-majority communities which would be possible through a better coordination in all levels. With the improvement of the coordination between central and local level as well as with establishment of a new reporting system in municipalities, I am sure that we will be able to have a more positive progress in implementation of the strategy for integration of Rom, Ashkali and Egyptian communities"
Speakers insisted also on localized action plans for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities to become a priority for those municipalities which still do not have them, and on the need for media campaigns in promoting tolerance and integration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo.