Information on support for entrepreneurship and job creation in Roma communities through the European Program for Employment and Social Innovation

Employment and social innovation: 4.65 million Euros allocated to support entrepreneurship and job creation in Roma communities

The European Investment Fund (EIF) signed a financing agreement with REDI Economic Development SA (REDI) which will make it possible to access 4.65 million Euros for financing entrepreneurs operating in Roma communities in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia from North.

The initiative supported by the European Union and in agreement with https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1081&langId=en will have a major impact on Roma communities, providing funding for more than 300 small business initiatives and the creation of at least 1000 jobs. The funds will be available to micro-enterprises active in marginalized Roma communities, and will be able to apply for loans of up to 25,000 Euros. Apart from financial support, REDI will also provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs to help identify those Roma communities and understand business development requirements. This is the first European instrument specifically targeting Roma communities, ensuring inclusive employment opportunities and product and service development for this group. Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: "The EU is a union of equality: it actively promotes the social and economic inclusion of marginalized people in our societies. Principle no. 3 of the European Pillar of Social Rights represents the right to equal opportunities, this being an essential element of the social market economy. The EaSI-funded European program will support addressing persistent discrimination within the European Union and enable entrepreneurs from marginalized Roma communities to fulfill their business ambitions."

The press release can be accessed here (EN) https://www.eif.org/what_we_do/guarantees/news/2022/eif-unlocks-4-65-million-to-support-entrepreneurship-and-job-creation-in-roma-communities-under-the-easi-programme.htm

The information was provided by the team of the General Directorate for Justice and disseminated by the National Contact Point for Roma.