With similar goals to an initiative conducted in 2009 by the Italian embassy, the French and the Italian embassies in Sofia, together with the Finnish and Hungarian embassies, with the support of the EU Presidency represented by the Spanish embassy, in co-operation with other institutions such as the Council of Europe and NGOs, organised in May 2010 a series of events highlighting Roma issues in Bulgaria.

Our main objective was to take stock of the present situation, to increase public awareness of the conditions of the Roma community in Bulgaria and to reduce prejudices. As large numbers of Roma live also in our countries, we felt the need to deepen our knowledge of the issue. Our initiative fully complies with EU, Council of Europe and Republic of Bulgaria decisions and programmes. We also informed the Bulgarian authorities in advance.

A series of events was included. Following a news conference at the Italian residence, a Roma fashion show was organised by the Roma Fashion Foundation and an exhibition of photographs and a documentary film screening on Roma took place at the French Institute. We visited two Roma neighbourhoods in Sofia (Fakulteta) and Sliven (Nadezhda), meeting authorities and NGOs and visiting schools.

On May 12, the French embassy organised a round table, attended by several ambassadors, Bulgarian authorities, representatives of some European countries’ relevant ministries, researchers, NGOs and Roma representatives. The issues at stake were the education of Roma children and the effect of freedom of movement and migrations on the integration of Roma communities inside the EU.

We reported to the Bulgarian authorities on some noteworthy aspects that should no longer exist inside the EU, but do nonetheless exist in many other EU countries. These include the living conditions of the neighbourhoods we visited, the limited basic facilities available, the obstacles to further inclusion of Roma communities in the school system, or in the job market, and to the mobility of the inhabitants and of the people assisting them. We also noted long-standing traditions that cause reduced opportunities for girls and women (thus perpetuating the inadequacies), the insufficient spiritual assistance available, notwithstanding the recognised advantages they offer in the neighbourhoods concerned, the difficulty of desegregated education and some advantages of segregated schools.

We had the chance to speak to Bulgarian authorities and local actors (for instance in schools) who are concerned about these situations and work hard to find a way towards a better inclusion and integration of Roma communities. The challenge of Roma inclusion is relevant and is a matter of concern for all EU countries, bearing in mind the possibility of migration. Before the required long-term policies on Roma inclusion at local, national and European level, we believe there is a need for immediate action to make basic improvements. European solidarity could play a role in this matter. The EU is the largest donor abroad but should not forget the situation in some parts of its own territory. We will duly report on our fact-finding to our capitals, to Bulgarian authorities and to the relevant international organisations, suggesting action.

We thank EU Commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva, for granting her patronage to the initiative, the Council of Europe for its encouragement, the Bulgarian authorities who assisted us in our endeavour and subsequently appreciated it and the Bulgarian media for the attention granted to the initiative and its in-depth coverage.