5th International Roma Music Day

July 9, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

The 5th International Day of Gypsy Music will take place on August 8, connecting 11 venues across 7 countries, with Budapest as the main hub.

The festival aims to celebrate the diversity of Roma music, featuring nearly 30 artists and free concerts, despite financial challenges in Hungary’s cultural scene.

The event honors the late Esma Redžepova, a prominent figure in Romani music, and includes a tradition of simultaneous performances of the international Romani anthem, “Gelem, Gelem.”

Would be nice if they did not use the “Gypsy” or even worse, the “Z”-word …

Der 5. Internationale Tag des Zigeunerliedes feiert die Vielfalt. In: Ungarn Heute. 08.07.2026. https://ungarnheute.hu/news/der-5-internationale-tag-des-zigeunerliedes-feiert-die-vielfalt-20275/

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Racism in Serbia

July 9, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

A video from Šabac shows a woman physically assaulting a Roma boy while using racist insults, sparking outrage on social media in Serbia.

The attacker, K. S., admitted to the incident but downplayed it, claiming she only slapped the boy twice after he was allegedly rude.

The victim’s mother reported the incident to authorities, highlighting previous aggression from the same woman, and called for institutional action to prevent such incidents in the future.

Ulično nasilje: Fizički napad i uvrede na nacionalnoj osnovi. In: Vreme. 08.07.2026. https://vreme.com/drustvo/ulicno-nasilje-fizicki-napad-i-uvrede-romi-sabac/

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Education In Moldova

July 9, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

A consultative meeting organized by the Ministry of Education in Soroca focused on improving access to education for Roma children and preventing school dropout.

The meeting included local authorities, educational institutions, community mediators, civil society organizations, and parents, discussing affirmative measures to support Roma students. The importance of early education and collaboration between authorities, schools, and the Roma community was emphasized to create a more inclusive educational environment.

Proposed measures include reserving 10% of places in first and tenth grades for Roma children, admission facilities for vocational and higher education, merit scholarships, and increased social scholarships for vulnerable families.

В Сороках обсудили доступ детей ромов к образованию. In: noi. 08.07.2026. https://noi.md/ru/obshhestvo/v-sorokah-obsudili-dostup-detej-romov-k-obrazovaniyu?prev=1&%3Bysclid=l9cyat0uh764769412
La Soroca, s-a discutat despre accesul copiilor romi la educație. In: Noi. 08.07.2026. https://noi.md/md/amp/societate/la-soroca-s-a-discutat-despre-accesul-copiilor-romi-la-educatie?prev=1
Burse de merit și facilități la admiterea în învățământul profesional tehnic și superior pentru elevii de etnie romă. In: Radio Chişinău. 08.07.2026. https://radiochisinau.md/burse-de-merit-si-facilitati-la-admiterea-in-invatamantul-profesional-tehnic-si-superior-pentru-elevii-de-etnie-roma—226359.html