Roma unemployment is one of the most challenging issues in Europe and it is not adequately addressed, despite the fact that the access of Roma to the labour market is part of EU National Strategies for Roma Inclusion or National Action Plans. Their situation on the labour market is strictly linked to their level of education which is marred by the lack of completion of compulsory school duty, the lack of vocational training, persisting segregation and overrepresentation of Roma pupils in special schools, discrimination of Roma women in access to education and employment, and many other points. To improve the situation of employment and economic independence of Roma, the tight correlation with education and vocational training must be addressed. The system of paid internships, the on-going analysis of the local labour market and close cooperation with local entrepreneurs, as presented in Enschede - should be considered as an effective tool.

Taking into account that Roma are the youngest population in Europe, the absence of suitably (and locally) tailored labour market policies towards Roma will contribute to their further exclusion, marginalisation and dependency on social benefits. During the visit, experts underlined the key role that educated, active, working Roma role models can play within the communities. Special attention should be paid to Roma women as they are on the one hand even more excluded (due to less education opportunities and the perceived “traditional” role of women) and on the other hand – the growing number of active and educated Roma women in various fields and their strong motivation for a better future for their children.