More needs to be done to socially include Roma communities, which are the largest ethnic minority in the EU.

The European Commission has urged member states to do so and ensure they are given equal access to health services, housing and education.

In addition, efforts to integrate Roma people into the employment sector must be made, explained Laszlo Andor, EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion.

"Roma communities are part and parcel of our fight against poverty and joblessness," he added. "Roma people do not need a separate labour market."

A Europe-wide Roma Summit took place this week to review reports into the progress of integration made so far.

The Roma population across all 27 member states is believed to number up to 12 million, but the EU said the term is not intended to downplay the broad range of communities within the culture, nor is it meant to promote stereotypes.