Promoting the Roma community's political participation at the local level and empowering them to become active members of society are two main aspects of the current EU Roma strategic framework. Whilst some members of the Roma community serve as mayors or deputy mayors, in most Member States the Roma are not represented in the local decision-making process, and are at times deprived by direct and indirect, legal and extralegal means from exercising their own political rights. The hearing will discuss the obstacles faced by the Roma community which hinder them from becoming active citizens, and the changes that are needed. It will also look at good practices from municipalities where actions are being taken to enhance the Roma community's representation and inclusion.
Focussing on five EU Member States (Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy and Portugal), this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role and increasing significance of the national Economic and Social Councils (NESCs), while also putting forward a set of policy recommendations on how to involve the NESCs more constructively, and how to make sure that the EESC's relationship with the NESCs, and henceforth its involvement as the EU's institutional bridge with civil society, can be further strengthened.
This study explores effective practices for youth participation in policy and decision-making processes, providing a comprehensive overview of what youth participation means and its key characteristics
Public debate with Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre (EPC)
Event type
Debate
Location
Online event
Belgium
Public debate on Reforms for a more resilient economy for all: the new EU legislature with Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre (EPC)
The EESC is now applying the EU Youth Test to its opinions, a tool designed to strengthen youth participation and youth mainstreaming in policy-making, becoming the first EU institution to implement it
