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European Commission announced the winners of the Third EU Award for Roma Integration for the Western Balkans and Turkey in an official ceremony. Launched in 2014, the EU award for Roma integration for the Western Balkans and Turkey aims at highlighting the political importance of Roma integration in the EU enlargement process, to enhance the role of key players such as civil society, Roma youth and this year Roma women, and to show the EU's determination and commitment to enhance social inclusion of Roma people.
Of the estimated 10-12 million Roma living in Europe, about 1 million live in the Western Balkans and about 2.8 million live in Turkey. The Roma share a rich culture and history, which is inextricably linked to Europe. But they have also faced a long history of poverty and exclusion. Although being equal citizens, too many are still victims of racism, discrimination, social exclusion and live in deep poverty. Improving the inclusion of Roma people therefore continues to be a key priority for the EU and effective integration became one of the conditions that enlargement countries have to fulfil in order to become a Member State.