site.btaCabinet Approves Report on Implementation of the National Strategy for Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approved the administrative monitoring report on the implementation of the National Strategy for Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation in 2024. The report was prepared on the basis of data submitted on the measures, activities and policies implemented by the responsible institutions and provides comprehensive information on the implementation of the National Strategy as well as municipal action plans, the outgoing Government's Information Service reported.

In 2024, a number of measures were implemented to support access to education, healthcare, employment and cultural life, as well as to improve living conditions for vulnerable groups. The trend toward strengthening the integrated approach in the implementation of social inclusion policies continued.

In the field of education, an expanded coverage of children and students in compulsory pre-school and school education was reported, along with the application of inclusive practices for children whose mother tongue is not Bulgarian. Support for students at risk of dropping out continued, and as of November 2024, 1,308 educational mediators were working in schools and kindergartens, with their number steadily increasing.

In healthcare, the implementation of measures to ensure access to health services for vulnerable groups continued. The number of health mediators reached 332, of whom 173 are involved in the work of municipal and state hospitals. A model for home care for pregnant women and mothers of young children was developed. The scope of preventive check-ups and examinations, as well as mobile health services in settlements and neighbourhoods inhabited by uninsured Bulgarian citizens of Roma origin, was refined and expanded.

In employment, an increase was observed in the number of people included in subsidized employment. Transitions to regular employment rose from 4.5% in 2023 to 5.1% in 2024, and more than 17,000 Roma began work on the primary labour market or through employment programmes.

The model of centres for integrated employment and social assistance services continued to expand, leading to higher activity levels and lower long-term unemployment.

In housing policy, under the Regions in Growth Programme 2021–2027, the implementation of infrastructure measures for social inclusion continued, with representatives of local communities also participating in the process.

In the area of the rule of law and non-discrimination, the introduction of the legal concept of a registered address facilitates access to identity documents, social housing and administrative services for people without a permanent address.

The projects “Unity in Diversity” and “United in Diversity,” implemented by the Ministry of Culture and the St. St. Cyril and Methodius National Library, promote interethnic dialogue and access to cultural life.

Overall, 2024 showed steady progress in the implementation of integration policies aimed at building a more cohesive and equitable society.