From 2012 to 2020 Spain will receive approximately 37,000 billion in Structural and Investment Funds from the European Union. Currently the Autonomous Communities are developing their operational programs (ERDF and ESF), where they materialise investment priorities and actions for the next seven years. For the first time, the possibility exists that these funds are engaged in operations to eradicate shanty towns and segregated settlements withthe ultimate goal of the integration of the families living in these nuclei and actions of relocation are complemented by accompanying actions and monitoring.
In this context, the Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion under the Council of Europe (Congress of Regional and Local Authorities) in its effort to support cities and regions to make better use of existing economic resources and access to European funds, organised this conference in May 2014 in order to present the opportunities offered by the Structural and Investment Funds in the period 2014-2020 to carry out comprehensive relocation operations and eradication of shanty town and for the elimination of segregated settlements, especially in areas inhabited by Roma.
The seminar featured the collaboration of the Institute for Re-housing and Social Integration (IRIS) of the Community of Madrid, the Directorate General of Family Services and Children of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality and FSG.