site.btaDeputy MP Kroumova: Successful Practices for Roma Integration Can Be Used to Integrate Refugees

Deputy MP Kroumova: Successful Practices for Roma Integration Can Be Used to Integrate Refugees

Sofia, February 27 (BTA) - Successful practices for Roma integration can be used to integrate migrants and refugees, according to Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU funds Malina Kroumova. She was speaking Monday at a forum on Roma integration.

Kroumova recalled that on December 9 2016 Bulgaria signed memorandums for understanding for the implementation of the EEA&Norway Grants 2014-2021. Under the memorandums Bulgaria will receive 210 million euro for projects for social and territorial development and convergence. In the next six months the relevant ministries and stakeholders from Bulgaria and the donor countries should draft concepts for each of the approved programmes.

The memorandums stress support for policies for Roma inclusion. The Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area envisages a subprogramme for Roma inclusion within the local development, poverty reduction and vulnerable groups inclusion programme. There is a requirement for 10 per cent of the available funding under the cultural entrepeneurship, heritage and cooperation programme to be used to improve the situation of the Roma. The Norwegian Financial Mechanism will require 10 per cent of the funds available for judiciary and home affairs to go towards the same purpose.