Author Archives: Roma Foundation

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Czechia Podcast

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Czechia Podcast

In the twenty-second review episode of the SODAcast podcast, its authors Zdeněk Ryšavý and Patrik Banga return to this year’s celebrations of International Roma Day, the reception of Roma personalities at Prague Castle, and the debate on changes in the Agency for Social Inclusion. They also address the case of Václav Sivák, who wore a sweatshirt with a Russian flag at a press conference, the police crackdown on children in Most, and other events of recent weeks.

News Eastern Europe Romania Serbia

Lolita Cercel

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Lolita Cercel

Lolita Cercel, created virtually with the help of artificial intelligence, is a star in Romania and beyond. Her genre, “Balkan trip-hop”, combines traditional Roma melodies with modern pop, dance and electronic rhythms and has long since become part of the mainstream music scene. But, in addition to fame, she is also the target of critics. “The instrumentalization of Roma culture”, someone called her. According to critics, while real Roma artists are often underestimated, a “virtual, racially charged and dehumanized Roma identity” is suddenly gaining ground.

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Ukraine, War, and Roma

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Ukraine, War, and Roma

Women Leaders Create First Inclusive Social Laundry in Nerubayska Community in Odessa Region. In the social laundry, vulnerable families can not only use services free of charge, but also wait out the power outage, chat, drink tea, and receive psychological or social support. Another task of the “Pure Dignity” project is to overcome stereotypes: public prejudice against the Roma community, and among Roma families themselves, caution in interacting with services.

Austria Croatia Hungary News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Burgenland

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Burgenland

On the occasion of International Roma Day, the Roma National High School last week invited young people to a youth event in the Borta Open House (OHO). Young members of the Roma, Croatian and Hungarian ethnic groups participated. The main topic was networking and involving young people in political processes.

Bulgaria Europe News Eastern Europe

XV Congress

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XV Congress

A press release announcing that Sofia will host the XV World Roma Congress, which will be held in the period 29–31 October 2026. The event is organized by the Association “United Civic Initiatives – OGI E ROMENGO” with chairman and main organizer Toma Mladenov.

According to the organisers, Delegations from over 40 countries are expected to participate, as well as representatives of international institutions such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the European Union. The forum is expected to be one of the most significant international events related to the Roma community in recent years.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Arrests

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Arrests

The Roma mayor in the Garmen neighborhood “Kremikovtsi” in the Blagoevgrad region of Bulgaria was detained as part of a specialized police operation.

There are two detainees, and the home of a deputy mayor of a municipality is being searched based on reports. During searches of the home of one of those being searched, an illegal gun was found.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

EU Funds for Roma

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EU Funds for Roma

At a press conference on Tuesday, the opposition Slovakia Movement presented a series of findings that, according to its representatives, point to the systemic misuse of European money intended to help Roma communities. Representatives of the movement pointed out suspicious subsidies, conflicts of interest, personal connections and a commission mechanism in projects in Roma settlements.

They are calling for the dismissal of the Slovak Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities, Alexander Dašek, from his position. The Office of the Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities (ÚSVRK) rejects the movement’s claims. It called them purposeful disinformation.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Slovakia and Special Schools

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Slovakia and Special Schools

A Rom frokm Slovakia was honoured by the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC) for successfully promoting the re-diagnosis of a Roma boy from a special school, thanks to which the boy was able to continue his education at a regular elementary school in Zvolen.

Well, it says effectively a young Rom was sent to a special school for mentally disadvantaged children just because of his etnicity.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and the Šutar Act

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Slovenia and the Šutar Act

The Mayor of Novo Mesto, Gregor Macedoni called for the protection of victims of misdemeanors. He argues that the Šutar Act only allows seizure of the financial social assistance after three unsuccessful enforcements.

The Ombudsman and the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy emphasize that the state must also respect constitutional boundaries and human rights while ensuring the security of citizens.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Romanes in Czechia

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Romanes in Czechia

According to estimates, there are about a quarter of a million Romani people living in the Czech Republic, but only a portion of them speak Romani. About a third of the youngest generation speaks the language. Romani scholar Marie Podlahová Bořkovcová is trying to reverse this trend not only through teaching, but also through competitions, workshops and literature. “There are also those who are ashamed of speaking Romanes, because being a Rom among children today is not easy,” she says in an interview.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Hungarian Elections

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Hungarian Elections

4 Roma and 1 Romni were elected to the Hungarian parliament last Sunday. Four of the five are members of the new Tisza Party of Peter Magyar.

Germany News Western Europe

German Police

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German Police

A police operation involving a 25-member Roma family at the University Hospital of Cologne has had repercussions: Police in Bonn are now investigating six Cologne officers on suspicion of incitement to hatred. Bodycam footage is to be reviewed.

In December 2025, a Roma family celebrated the birth of a child in the foyer of the University Hospital of Cologne, triggering a police operation. The result: A complaint against the university hospital from the Rom Association, which advocates for the rights of Sinti and Roma, as well as a criminal complaint and a formal complaint filed with the Cologne Police Headquarters. Now it is clear: The operation could have far-reaching consequences for six police officers

Italy News Western Europe

Roma Camps in Italy

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Roma Camps in Italy

For a long time, Italy parked Roma in segregated camps that were de-facto ghettoes. Now the trend reverses, and 50 camps have been closed in the last 10 years, with 63% fewer people living in slums.

“One Hundred Camps,” the annual report on the condition of Roma and Sinti in Italy, compiled by the Associazione 21 luglio, captures the collapse of an “architecture of discrimination” used for decades to manage migration flows fleeing the Balkan wars.

Moldova News Eastern Europe

April 8th, Moldova

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April 8th, Moldova

Only through respect and mutual support can we build a more inclusive and strong state, where every person matters and no one is left behind. This was the message expressed by President Maia Sandu on the occasion of International Roma Day on April 8.

News Eastern Europe Russia

Russia and Genocide

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Russia and Genocide

Russia passed a new law condemning denial of the genocide of Soviet people, with up to three years of forced labour and fines.

Where’s the issue: Well, potentially for researchers who mention the jewish and Roma genocide without mentioning soviets, but foremost, anyone who damages monuments to victims of the Soviet occupation – in Russia and abroad – will be jailed for up to 4 years. So removing a “liberation” monument in the Baltics can get you in troubles…

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