Implementation of activities within the Roma Decade remains high on the Government's agenda and despite the financial challenges, budget funds are not cut, said Vice Premier for European Integration Fatmir Besimi told Thursday a meeting on inclusion of Roma and Roma refugees.

Besimi referred to prior and future activities within the Action Plan, saying additional funds for realization of programmes and activities could be also secured through the IPA funds.

Minister of Labor and Social Policy Dime Spasov said European experiences regarding Roma inclusion and integration represented a roadmap for Macedonia.

"The Ministry will continue to implement projects that are beneficial for the Roma community. The labor market issue is of key significance for Roma in Macedonia, but also a challenge to which we are fully committed", stressed Spasov.

According to him, inclusion of Roma children in pre-school education is also a top priority.

"We have undertaken decisive steps in this regard, resulting in over 2,500 Roma children included in pre-school education", added Spasov.

The ministry is also working on identification of persons not included in the registry books and providing assistance in the obtaining of personal identification documents.

EU Ambassador Aivo Orav said the Macedonia Progress Report includes a section dedicated to the Roma population.

"One of the report's conclusions is that the Roma community continues to live in great poverty, facing social and economic problems. Prejudice and discrimination of Roma is still present, especially in the field of employment. Much needs to be done in this sector, but also in the fields of personal documents, housing and education", stressed Orav.

He said the EU has allocated more than EUR 5,5 million in period 2007-2013 in projects for Roma inclusion, whereas additional funds could be obtained through the IPA funds.

Nedzet Mustafa, Minister without Portfolio and National Coordinator of the Roma Decade 2005-2015, said Macedonia has made progress in the implementation of action plans developed by ministries, NGOs and Decade bodies.

"The most evident progress is noted in education, seen through the increase in the number of Roma students and those enrolled in post-graduate studies", he said.

Mustafa highlighted projects in the communal infrastructure, housing of socially vulnerable groups, Roma health educators etc.

"All these projects are a testimony of the Government's commitment towards improvement of Roma standards", underlined Minister Mustafa.