SARAJEVO, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Wednesday announced an additional 12 million euros in grants to support Roma inclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), reaffirming its commitment to improving the living conditions and social rights of the country's largest national minority.
The pledge was made at the Sixth Roma Seminar held in Sarajevo, co-organized by the EU Office in BiH and the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH. Participants from state and entity institutions, EU member states, international partners and Roma communities reviewed progress and agreed on concrete steps for the next two years.
Magdalena Mueller-Uri, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation to BiH, said combating discrimination and strengthening social inclusion remain key EU priorities, noting that effective protection of minority rights is essential for BiH's EU accession path.
Amina Kavazovic, representative of the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, said Roma inclusion continues to be a lasting national priority, emphasizing the need for equal rights and opportunities.
Marta Garcia Fidalgo, Roma Policy Advisor at the European Commission, underlined that Roma inclusion is a core requirement under the 2020-2030 EU Roma Strategic Framework and will remain central to BiH's integration process.
The seminar also presented the European Commission's 2025 Country Report, which acknowledged progress in improving Roma housing but noted persistent gaps in education, employment, healthcare and anti-discrimination measures. ■