A new strategy can set priorities and inspire action. But its success ultimately depends on what changes in people's daily lives.

This was the central message of the joint online seminar, “Making the Strategy for Roma and Traveller Inclusion Operational: Activating Social Growth by Putting Policy into Practice”, organised by the Council of Europe and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) on 23 October 2026. Bringing together public authorities, development practitioners, financial institutions, civil society organisations and Roma representatives, the seminar explored how the new Council of Europe Strategy for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2026-2030) can be translated into concrete projects, investments and measurable results.

The event highlighted an increasingly important question for policymakers across Europe: how can ambitious policy frameworks be supported by the investment, partnerships and implementation capacity needed to deliver lasting change?

From a strategy to implementation

The new Strategy for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2026-2030) provides a common framework for action across Europe. It is built around three strategic priorities:

• combating antigypsyism and prejudice through increased knowledge and awareness;
• ensuring equal rights, dignity and gender equality through effective implementation of laws and policies; and
• promoting democratic governance and active participation in public and political life.

Participants stressed that effective implementation would require more than policy commitments alone. Sustained political leadership, coordination across sectors and levels of government, adequate resources and meaningful participation of Roma and Traveller communities were identified as essential conditions for success.

As highlighted during the discussion, the challenge is no longer defining objectives but ensuring that commitments are translated into policies, resources and actions that improve people's lives.

Inclusion as an investment in people and communities

A recurring theme throughout the seminar was the need to view Roma and Traveller inclusion not as a social cost, but as a long-term investment in human capital, social cohesion and economic development.

Investments in education, employment, entrepreneurship, housing, health and social services help remove barriers that prevent many Roma and Traveller communities from fully participating in society. At the same time, they strengthen local economies, improve social cohesion and create opportunities that benefit entire communities.

Participants underlined that turning policy ambitions into tangible improvements requires both strong policy frameworks and access to appropriate financial instruments. In this context, the CEB can support implementation through a combination of loans, grants, guarantees and European Union resources, tailored to the needs of projects and beneficiaries.

Practical examples from across Europe

The seminar showcased several projects illustrating how different financing models can support Roma inclusion in practice.

In Spain, the Fundación Secretariado Gitano is using a €10 million CEB co-financing facility to ensure continuity of programmes in employment, education, gender equality and anti-discrimination while awaiting reimbursement of European funding. The programmes are expected to reach more than 69,000 direct beneficiaries.

In Romania, cooperation between the CEB, Patria Credit and the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI) combines lending and grant support to help underserved entrepreneurs, including Roma entrepreneurs and small rural businesses. Beyond access to finance, the initiative provides business training, financial education, coaching and support for market integration.

Representatives of Foundation DEDO presented integrated approaches that combine housing, healthcare, employment and social services to address chronic homelessness, including among Roma families. The discussion focused on how successful grant-funded initiatives can become sustainable and scalable over time.

At local level, the Municipality of Sector 2 in Bucharest shared its experience of combining investment planning with socio-economic data collection to develop targeted interventions for Roma and other vulnerable communities. Participants highlighted the importance of robust needs assessments in guiding future investments and informing long-term operational plans.

Financing alone is not enough

One of the key conclusions of the seminar was that financing, while essential, cannot by itself guarantee successful outcomes.

Across all examples presented, successful implementation depended on strong partnerships between public authorities, civil society organisations, financial institutions and Roma communities. Capable implementing partners, local ownership, reliable data and sustained community engagement emerged as equally important factors in delivering results.

Participants also emphasised the need to strengthen the role of Roma and Traveller organisations throughout the policy cycle, from the identification of needs and project design to implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Such participation helps ensure that interventions are responsive to local realities and contribute to building trust between communities and institutions.

Scaling what works

A further challenge identified during the discussions was how to move from successful pilot initiatives to larger-scale and sustainable investments.

Many innovative projects begin as grant-funded initiatives. Ensuring their long-term sustainability often requires new financing arrangements, stronger institutional capacity and continued political commitment. The seminar explored how different instruments, including loans, grants, guarantees and technical assistance, can complement one another to support this transition.

The exchanges demonstrated that there is no single model for financing Roma and Traveller inclusion. Rather, successful approaches combine appropriate financial tools with strong partnerships, community participation and long-term commitment.

Looking ahead

The seminar concluded with a shared understanding that the new Strategy provides a strong framework for action, but that progress will ultimately depend on implementation. Rights and policy commitments must be accompanied by investment, partnerships and practical measures that improve people's lives on the ground.

The discussions underscored a simple but important message: strategies create opportunities for change, but it is implementation that makes the difference. The years ahead offer an opportunity to translate shared commitments into practical action, ensuring that Roma and Traveller inclusion becomes an integral part of Europe’s social development and democratic resilience.