Ministerial Meeting in Tirana: During the Pandemic, Vulnerable Groups Require Special Attention

BETAPHOTO/RCC/DS

Participants of a meeting of ministers responsible for Roma inclusion in the Western Balkan economies on Oct. 27 said that the inclusion of vulnerable groups was important for EU integration of the region and that they required special attention during the pandemic.  

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said he was happy with the existence of political engagement for Roma inclusion. “The consequences of a crisis provoked by the coronavirus are both, political and social. They have affected these groups and increase the need for the inclusion of those minorities,” Rama said, adding that it was important to deepen cooperation with the EU which would help in the inclusion process.  

Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said it was necessary to include the Roma in the economies through the implementation of the Economic and investment plan for assisting the region. “The goal is to strengthen the economic development of the region, but also social cohesion,” he said, adding that the EU wished to motivate a more efficient inclusion of marginalized groups.