European Commission releases Conclusion Paper on Antigypsyism: increasing its recognition to better understand and address its manifestations

At its 4th meeting on 5 December 2017, the EU High Level Group on combating racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance for the first time discussed antigypsyism as a specific form of racism after the European Parliament adopted a report on the “Fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism” (2017/2038(INI)).

This conclusions paper, drafted by the European Commission’s services (DG JUSTICE and CONSUMERS), is based on the discussions of the focus session on antigypsyism. The paper also takes into account discussions held in the context of the third EU Roma week organised on 8-12 April 2018, under the patronage of the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Council of Europe and the City of Brussels.

The members of the EU High Level Group on combating racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, and in particular national authorities, are encouraged to take into account and build on this conclusions paper with a view to inform and improve their responses to discrimination, racism and intolerance targeting Roma1 in the EU.

The report highlights the persistent antigypsyism at all levels of European society, despite the efforts undertaken under the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the EU legislative framework against discrimination and hate crime.

The High Level Group is intended as a platform to support EU and national efforts in ensuring effective implementation of relevant rules and in setting up effective policies to prevent and combat hate crime and hate speech. This is done by fostering thematic discussions on gaps, challenges and responses, promoting best practice exchange, developing guidance and strengthening cooperation and synergies between key stakeholders.