Evaluation of ESF Support forRoma integration
Dominique Bé
EURoma, 10 November 2011, Budapest
Methodology
part of wider evaluation of ESF Supportfor inclusion of migrants ðnic minorities
ESF 2000-2006& 2007-2013
ESF EQUAL2000-2006
mainly based oninterviews(because lackof data)
Aims
labour market integration & social inclusion of Roma assess ESF contribution identify most effective means of tackling barriers provide guidelines to implement 2007-13 ESF make recommendations for 2014-20 ESF
Overall evaluation
increased focus of ESF to promoting Roma labour market integration in 2007-2013 compared with 2000-2006 OP strategies increased financial allocation
increased ESF allocation to Roma specific actions but n° EU countries supporting Roma specific measures has
not increased because “explicit but not exclusive” targeting approach
ESF multiannual programming long-term approach
EQUAL more integrated approach
Overall evaluation
lack of reliable data on ESF spending for Roma integration Roma participation in ESF measures impact of ESF measures lack of culture of monitoring & evaluation in ESF
no reduction of unemployment among Roma persistent 40-90% unemployment rate
multi-dimensional barriers to labour market participation of Romaclosing the gap could take 10-20 years
EvaluationAchievements for individuals
because of distance from labour market limited “hard” outcomes
but “soft” outcomes: basic employability skills, self confidence, interpersonal skills, etc.
need for job placements
but challenge of transition to “real” jobs self-employment schemes
but lack of ESF microfinance vocational training (construction, care, etc.) languages skills for migrating Roma
EvaluationAchievements for systems & structures
move towards: personalised employment pathways rather than one-off
measures integrated approaches
employment + education + health + housing targeting job-seekers but also families
closer cooperation with Roma NGOs desegregation of schools growing awareness about Roma discrimination
but sustainability of projects when ESF funding stops ?
Recommendations to Member StatesPolicies
10 Common Basic Principles for Roma Integration “mainstreaming” & “explicit but not exclusive” targeting
“integrated approach” education, employment, housing, health & access to quality
public services
data collection about Roma labour market & social situation
better coordination between ESF & national strategies, programmes & initiatives on Roma
integration other EU funds
Recommendations to Member StatesESF implementation
better vertical & horizontal coordination of ESF management structures
more micro-project grant schemes for small Roma NGOs to develop & strengthen their capacity
better involvement of Roma NGOs during whole ESF programme lifecycle participation in Monitoring Committees
additional capacity-building support
better coordination between national authorities & local municipalities & NGOs better understanding of realities on the ground
Recommendations to Member StatesThematic interventions
inclusion of Roma children in mainstream schools but sustainability of projects after ESF funding stops ?
early targeting of Roma children & youths e.g. preparatory classes in the national language & after-
hours school support
closer cooperation with enterprises in vocational training & employability domains
long-term approach when targeting Roma women, including their children
adult education
spatial & territorial factors: no one-approach fits all situations
More info
http://tinyurl.com/esf-roma