Thessaly Region allocates €2.27 million for Roma integration

The Thessaly Region has announced a three-year program totaling 2,275,161 euros aimed at the socio-economic integration of Roma communities. Co-financed by the European Social Fund as part of the ‘Thessaly 2021-2027’ program, the initiative seeks to combat discrimination and strengthen the participation of Roma individuals in social, economic, and political life.

The funding will be distributed across six municipalities: Larissa (459,863 euros), Farsala (444,463 euros), Karditsa (443,795 euros), Tyrnavos (327,920 euros), Sofades (319,500 euros), and Trikala (279,620 euros). The actions will primarily focus on children and adolescents through experiential workshops and summer camps.

According to regional data, Thessaly is now the third most populated region for Roma in Greece. The program addresses critical challenges faced by these communities, including high unemployment, lack of basic infrastructure, and low education levels. While 11.8% of the Roma population lives in urban neighborhoods, 85.8% reside in mixed settlements with limited infrastructure, and 2.4% live in highly substandard areas.