Portugal marks International Roma Day today without a national strategy for nearly three years, as organisations warn of backsliding and persistent inequality in education, housing and health.
The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) and the Pastoral Care for Roma People (a Catholic organisation supporting Roma communities) agree that the country faces a political vacuum since the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma Communities ended in 2023 – saying this lack of policy compromises efforts to fight exclusion.
EAPN national coordinator Maria José Vicente says Portugal is the only European Union country without a strategy. She urges the government to approve a new version quickly.
“A vacuum exists that reflects a lack of political commitment and could lead to backsliding,” she said today, adding that the strategy is essential to guide public policy and meet the specific needs of these communities.
The Pastoral Care for Roma People, a Catholic social action group supporting Roma people, calls the delay “unacceptable”.
It warns that the absence of a strategy perpetuates historic inequalities, including school and housing segregation.
Recent data shows high levels of poverty and material deprivation among the country’s Roma population.
Portugal has one of the highest proportions of people at risk of poverty in this group within Europe.
EAPN refers to a 2024 survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) which found that almost half of families live in severe material deprivation and most cannot afford basic expenses.
Housing too, remains an area with little progress, as many families live in precarious conditions without full access to essential services, “hindering broader inclusion”.
In education, despite significant improvements, including higher attendance in pre-school and universities, low educational attainment and segregation persist.
Classes composed mostly of Roma students remain a factor of exclusion, though less frequent than they were before.
The transition from school to the job market is another major challenge.
Vicente warns of persistent hiring barriers – often linked to prejudice and discrimination.
“Even with more qualifications, resistance to professional integration continues,” she says, calling for public campaigns to fight stigma.
The EAPN coordinator identifies discrimination as a main obstacle to inclusion as it impacts education, employment, health and social participation, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Organisations say these inequalities stem from a history of persecution.
This year marks 500 years since the first decree expelling Roma people from Portugal.
EAPN and Pastoral Care for Roma People say a new strategy must consider community diversity and involve local councils and the populations themselves.
Priorities should include better housing, fighting school dropout rates, improving healthcare access, and promoting job inclusion.
The groups also advocate for the role of intercultural mediators, professionals who bridge the gap between ethnic communities and public services, and seek better professional recognition for them.
On International Roma Day, the groups seek are essentially appealing for renewed political commitment to address persistent inequalities in a country where Roma communities have lived for more than 500 years.
