The new EU Presidency taken over by Italy starting in July until December 2014 is the first of the new EU Trio Presidency (Italy, Latvia and Luxemburg). The Italian Presidency takes place at a crucial moment for the European Union. The EU finds itself in a recovery phase from the economic crisis and the European Parliament and Commission start their new term creating opportunities for a return to the EU founding values of unity, inclusion, human rights and respect. Italy should use this turning point to make social justice and Roma inclusion a priority for their Presidency and ensure that the new European Commission and Parliament keep these issues on the EU policy and political agenda. Investing in Roma inclusion will benefit society as a whole in the long term as it will reduce poverty, contribute to social cohesion and economic growth.
Source (English language): http://www.erionet.eu/doc-recommendations_italian_presidency_2014