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Litmus Test of Effective Use of Structural Funds

Supporting Structural Reforms of Basic Public Services to Promote Roma Inclusion

Adam Kullmann


Although Roma inclusion needs to be promoted primarily with national instruments, since 2012 associations have strengthened between Roma inclusion and the Structural Funds, especially in Member States with the highest proportion of Roma population. Regarding challenges to effective use of Structural Funds for Roma inclusion, at least three layers need to be identified and overcome: commitment of decision-makers and the general population regarding spending on Roma inclusion is weak; performance and equity in basic public services in Member States with the highest proportion of Roma population are poor; and addressing the complex problems of multiply disadvantaged communities is methodologically difficult. However, the focus needs to be kept on supporting inclusive structural reforms of basic public services. Three examples of effective use of Structural Funds for inclusive structural reforms of basic public services are presented. These are not Roma inclusion interventions, but have direct lessons for improving mainstream education, employment and social services with significant benefits also for Roma. In regards to relevant operational programmes in Member States with the highest proportion of Roma population, the Hungarian example shows that there are many relevant commitments and targets with the potential of inclusive structural reforms, however, probably none of these commitments and targets are specific enough to see how much the planned interventions are expected to reach also Roma. It is crucial to further specify commitments and targets so that implementation can be monitored and corrected if needed.


Adam Kullmann works as a freelancer, formerly he worked as expert and leader of the Coordination Managing Authority in Hungary (2006-2009) and the Making the Most of EU Funds for Roma programme of the Open Society Foundations (2011-2015).

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