President Halonen in Romania: The situation of Roma requires also response at the European level

According to President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen, solutions for the situation of the Roma should also be found at the European level. "The Roma are a European minority. It is very important that we reach an agreement within the EU on our mutual goals and commit ourselves to improving the status of the Roma. At the same time, we must remember that the ultimate responsibility towards our citizens lies always, of course, at the national level”, President Halonen said in Bucharest at the round table discussion “Roma communities in the European Union”. President Halonen and Doctor Pentti Arajärvi made an official visit to Romania on 8-9 June, 2008.

President Traian Basescu of Romania and President Tarja Halonen of Finland. Copyright © Office of the President of the Republic of Finland

The Commission aims to soon release a communication on Roma integration, which will be discussed at the European Council. “The situation of the Roma is brought to the highest level of the EU decision-making. I hope that this will lead to concrete improvements in the daily lives of the European Roma and Roma communities”, President Halonen said.

According to her, special attention should be given to the enhancement of the status of Roma children and women. Education is crucial for the improvement of the status of the Roma. As an example, President Halonen mentioned investments in pre-school education of Roma children, where Finland has had good experiences.

European-wide problems

President Halonen also underlined the importance of other European organisations, such as the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe OSCE, in dealing with Roma issues. "One should never over-generalise, but it seems that many Roma face similar problems all across Europe, no matter if it is related to housing, education or health care. Discrimination faced by the Roma is, regrettably, an undeniable European-wide fact”.

In the key position in finding solutions to situation are the Roma themselves, and President Halonen emphasised the importance of various Roma organisations, such as the European Roma and Travellers’ Forum (ERTF). In addition, active local organisations and communities are needed. "The best result is achieved by combining these three levels: European, national and local”, President Halonen noted.

The round-table discussion in Bucharest was attended by members from the Romanian Government, central agencies and ministries and representatives from Roma organisations. In addition to President Halonen, Finland was represented by Minister of Migration and European Affairs Astrid Thors, Executive Director Miranda Vuolasranta of the Finnish Roma Forum and Ombudsman for Minorities Johanna Suurpää.

The Roma are Europe’s largest minority and there are around 8-10 million Roma. The Roma minority of Romania is one of the largest in Europe, although the estimates vary greatly.

Co-operation projects in many fields

The situation of the Roma minorities was also discussed in the official meetings with President Traian Basescu of Romania, Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and representatives from the Parliament.

In the discussions, it was noted that the bilateral relations between Finland and Romania are excellent. Joint EU projects have been conducted, for example, in developing administration and combating corruption and in supporting social and health care, border control and regional development. Trade and financial relations have also developed positively.

The Romanians were particularly interested in border control co-operation. Also seas co-operation interested both countries, and Romania is hoping to utilise Finland’s experience on the Baltic Sea co-operation in further developing the Black Sea co-operation.

Of the international topics, the situation in Kosovo and the relations with Russia were discussed among other things.

Speech by President Halonen at the luncheon hosted by President of Romania