Daily Archives: November 7, 2026

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib

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EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib

Roma, numbering between 10 and 12 million in Europe, face ongoing discrimination and historical persecution, including genocide during the Nazi era.

The EU has set goals for 2030 to combat discrimination against Roma and improve their access to education, employment, and housing, with some progress noted but significant barriers remaining.

Prejudice against Roma persists, with many Europeans uncomfortable having Roma neighbors, highlighting the need for societal change and inclusion to strengthen communities.

Movie

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Movie

The film “SMOOTH THE EDGES,” directed by Charles Newland, is a significant step for Roma representation in British cinema, premiering at the Seville European Film Festival.

The story focuses on a Romni’s struggles with prejudice and identity, highlighting the challenges of concealing cultural heritage for acceptance.

The production features a majority Romani cast and crew, aiming to challenge stereotypes and provide authentic representation in the film industry.

Illegal Villa

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Illegal Villa

Matteo Chiantore, the mayor of Ivrea, has been under police protection for two months due to tensions surrounding the demolition of an illegal villa near a Roma camp.

The demolition, which took place on November 5, concluded a long-standing administrative issue that had lasted over a decade, with significant police presence ensuring the operation went smoothly.

The local Democratic Party emphasized the importance of balancing legality and inclusion in governance, thanking the administration for handling the complex situation responsibly.

Racist Intent

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Racist Intent

A 15-year-old student at a technical school in Levice has been accused of making violent threats against classmates, including a list of intended victims and racist remarks targeting minorities. The threatened to kill all Roma and Jews.

The situation escalated after students reported the threats to their teacher, prompting police intervention and the student’s temporary detention, although he was released without charges the next day.

The school administration is working to reassure parents and students about safety measures in place following the incident, while local police continue their investigation.

Settlement

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Settlement

In Zimna Voda near Lviv, Ukraine, a Roma settlement exists on land owned by Ukrzaliznytsia, with discussions ongoing about relocating the residents due to safety concerns.

Residents, including Viktor and Tatyana, express uncertainty about their future, with some considering buying land but facing financial difficulties.

Local authorities, including village head Volodymyr Hutnyk and deputy head Ivan Sobko, are seeking a peaceful resolution for the relocation, emphasizing the need for legal compliance and support for the families involved.

Bulgaria Language Law

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Bulgaria Language Law

The recent parliamentary vote on the Bulgarian language law indicates a shift towards nationalism, aligning with the ideologies of various political factions in Bulgaria, including the BSP and nationalist parties.

The law’s approval raises concerns about the rights of ethnic minorities in Bulgaria, suggesting that they may need permission to use their languages publicly, thus making them ‘invisible’ in society.

The article criticizes the law as a regressive step for Bulgaria’s European integration and warns of potential legal challenges in Strasbourg for violating minority rights.

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