On 16 September 2008, the European Commission’s first “EU Roma Summit” took place in Brussels , under the joint patronage of the Commission President José Manuel Barroso and the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Asmet Elezovski and Sebihana Skenderovska attend the Summit as representatives of National Roma Centrum.

The Summit aims to promote a firm commitment to tackling concrete problems and to creating a better understanding of the situation of Roma across Europe.

“The European Commission has called for joint efforts by the EU and its member countries to bring Roma into mainstream society. It is urging national governments to stepup efforts to help Roma access schools, housing, jobs and health services. Roma leaders and human rights advocates were among 400 people attending the summit organised by the commission. The aim was threefold:

• to raise awareness of Roma needs
• identify the most effective ways to improve their lives
• secure commitments for action