On 9 December 2013, Council of the European Union unanimously issued the Recommendation on Effective Roma Integration Measures in the Member States, which is the first legal instrument of the European Union dealing with the issue of Roma integration.

Even though not legally binding, the purpose of the recommendation is to provide guidance to the Member States in enhancing the effectiveness of their measures aimed at improving the situation of Roma and closing the gap between the Roma and the general population. The Recommendation specifically emphasizes the measures that should contribute to unimpeded access of Roma to the rights to education, employment, health protection and housing.

The document also particularly points to the combat against all forms of discrimination by strengthening the legislative framework, as well as to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability of Roma children and women. The Recommendations suggests that, in order to implement and monitor the national and local strategies and action plans, the Member States should allocate adequate funding from any available sources of funding (local, national, international and/or EU).   

Even though Serbia is not a member of the EU yet, it could most certainly use the recommendation as an encouragement to enable equal access to rights in the stated areas for all its citizens, including members of Roma ethnic minority.

Download: Council of the European Union Recommendation on Effective Roma Integration Measures in the Member States
Download: European Commission Proposal for a Council Recommendation on Effective Roma Integration Measures in the Member States