It is a pleasure to be with you tonight on the eve of International Roma Day and for the start of EU Roma Week 2025. This week provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Roma to European society and share our experiences.

It is also a moment to highlight the challenges Roma still face across Europe. For too long, Roma have been systematically marginalized and discriminated against. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers. We are building our Union of Equality, where everyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, has the same opportunities to thrive. As European Commissioner for Equality, I am determined to tackle the ongoing discrimination and inequalities many Roma still face. Our policies and actions must address these specific issues.

The latest Roma Survey from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency shows that eight out of ten Roma live at risk of poverty. The life expectancy of Roma women and men is about ten years lower than that of the general population. This is simply unacceptable, and we need to change this.

The EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation is our concrete plan to combat antigypsyism and discrimination. It ensures access to all essentials such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, and social services. Our Member States are with us. They have adopted the 2021 Council Recommendation on Roma equality, inclusion, and participation.

Last summer, we published our assessment of how we are doing in implementing the national Roma strategic frameworks. Here are just a few examples of how EU funding is making a real difference in supporting our Member States. Italy is implementing the Acceder-e project, inspired by the Spanish Acceder initiative, which improves the living standards of Roma through access to available jobs. Bulgaria has launched municipal programs, funded by the European Social Fund, to desegregate schools and combat discrimination, benefiting nearly 18,000 children. Romania is using Recovery and Resilience Facility funds to support disadvantaged rural communities, including mobile medical units for breast and cervical cancer screening.

During my mandate, the Commission will focus on three key areas to support our Member States. First, by mainstreaming equality across all areas, such as in education and the workplace. Second, by implementing and enforcing EU legislation to combat discrimination and segregation. Third, by ensuring that EU cohesion funds are strategically invested, flexible, and responsive to the specific needs of Roma communities.

This is a big task, and the Commission cannot do it alone.

To make real progress, Roma communities need a real voice in all areas affecting their daily lives. This is the only way to shape policies that truly meet their needs. We also need strong partnerships - with Member States, local authorities, and civil society.

This week is filled with inspiring events. I am excited to see what we can achieve together, as one united community. The Commission will continue to be a close partner of Roma communities, Member States, and civil society. We are currently working with the National Roma Contact Points, who will report to the Commission on the implementation of national Roma strategic frameworks by June. This will be followed by the Roma Civil Monitoring reports that will share civil societys perspective on Member States progress. This autumn, the EU Fundamental Rights Agency will release its latest Roma Survey, measuring progress on the EU Roma Strategic Frameworks goals. All this will feed into our next report on the implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework, to be published next year.

Fair, inclusive, and free from discrimination. This is the Europe we are building together, where equality is not just a promise, but a daily reality. A Europe where every Roma person lives with dignity, their rights not just recognized but truly respected and protected. A Europe where Roma communities can thrive and fully participate in European society. You can count on me.

I wish you all a successful EU Roma Week. Thank you for being here tonight and for your passion and dedication throughout the year.