In several European countries the number of the Roma represents approximately 10% of the total population. Due to the global economic crisis, the rise of the far right in places like Hungary, and failed policies of the past, their present social and economic situation continues to become more vulnerable. Mediation is one of the measures used across Europe to tackle the inequalities that Roma face in terms of access to employment, healthcare services and quality education. The Council of Europe has experience in training mediators. In 2006, the Council of Europe published a "Guide for Roma School Mediators/Assistants" (written by C. Rus and M. Zatreanu) that presents an innovative philosophy of mediation. The so-called ROMED programme started in 2011 in 15 countries and is presently (2012) being implemented in 20 countries. The ROMED programme focuses on the promotion of "real and effective intercultural mediation." The general aim of the training programme is to improve the quality and effectiveness of the work being conducted by school/health/employment mediators, with a view to supporting better communication and cooperation between Roma and public institutions (school/healthcare providers/employment offices). ROMED does not replace or duplicate existing training programmes at the local or national levels, but complements them instead, providing additional tools and methodologies, and contributing to the development of the core competencies needed by all mediators.