National strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for equality, inclusion and participation of the Roma (2021-2030).

This Bulgarian National strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for equality, inclusion and participation of the Roma (2021-2030) is a framework document that sets the guidelines for the implementation of the policies for socio-economic inclusion and participation of the Roma. The strategy takes into account the lessons learned and builds on what was achieved during the implementation period of the National Strategy of the Republic of Bulgaria for Roma Integration (2012-2020) (NSRBIR). The deepening of poverty and social exclusion are grounds for strengthening the measures to overcome the challenges that are still faced by a number of citizens in a vulnerable situation, including those from the Roma community. In this document, the term "Roma" is used as a general term. It includes groups of people who have more or less similar but not the same cultural and social characteristics. Their self-definition can also be different. In Bulgaria, a permanent tendency is for a part of the people, whom the surrounding population perceives as Roma, to define themselves as Bulgarians, Turks, Romanians, etc. Not all Roma are subject to social exclusion, but all of them can become subject to discrimination and be deprived of rights. The strategy applies a general and purposeful integrated approach to citizens in a vulnerable situation of Roma origin and does not exclude the provision of support for disadvantaged persons from other ethnic groups. The strategy fits into the context of the development of European integration and inclusion policies, taking into account the guidelines given in the Communication of the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 7 October 2020 "Union of Equality: A Strategic Framework of the European Union (EU) for Roma for equality, inclusion and participation', as well as its annexes 'Guidelines for Planning and Implementation of National Roma Strategic Frameworks' and 'Portfolio of Indicators'. The strategy will contribute to the implementation of the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan (2021-2025) and the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR).