Skopje, 4 March 2026 (MIA) — The government has placed the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022-2030 high on its priority list, as its implementation is more than a formal obligation; it is a matter of responsible governance and building a state where equality is a reality rather than just a commitment, government officials said Wednesday. 

Speaking at a presentation of the assessment report on the implementation of the strategy, Minister without portfolio in charge of Integration and Implementation of the Roma Inclusion Strategy 2022-2030 Shaban Saliu said the strategy was a systemic framework designed to ensure a fair society with equal access to education, health care, social security and decent housing.

The report, prepared by expert Eben Friedman, highlighted successful milestones while identifying areas that require greater efficiency and better accountability, Saliu said.

"I expect the relevant institutions to actively engage in this discussion and confirm their readiness to turn recommendations into specific policies, budgets and timelines," the minister for Roma integration said. 

He added that his focus would remain on strengthening cooperation between institutions and improving monitoring to ensure long-term results.

According to the report, the country has seen measurable progress in including Roma children in the education system. Between 2006 and 2025, nearly 5,500 Roma children were included in preschool education, with 526 enrolled last year alone. In some 20 municipalities, children from at-risk families are exempt from fees, and educational mediators have been deployed to raise awareness about early childhood development.

Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth Fatmir Limani said there was significant progress in civil documentation. Out of 526 registered individuals previously lacking paperwork, nearly 450 have received birth certificates and 150 have been issued personal IDs, with the remaining applications currently being processed.

Regarding housing, Limani said a new law on social housing was expected to enter government procedure this month. Improvements were also noted in healthcare access for the Roma community as well as in local infrastructure. mr/